The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Haryana government to remove barricades at the Shambhu border, escalating tensions as protesting farmers gear up for a march to Delhi. The court emphasized that the blockade was causing inconvenience to commuters, prompting the state government to challenge the ruling in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over law and order.
Protesting farmers, who have been stationed at the Haryana border since February, are demanding a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops among other grievances against the Centre. Clashes earlier this year between protesters and law enforcement attempting to march to Delhi intensified the standoff.
Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, president of Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Sidhupur, affirmed plans for a peaceful protest at either Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Maidan in Delhi if roadblocks are removed. He cautioned that any obstruction would hold the government accountable.
In solidarity with Navdeep Singh, detained since March on charges including rioting and attempted murder, farmers intend to stage peaceful demonstrations at Ambala. Mr. Dallewal criticized the government’s handling of the investigation into the death of protester Shubhkaran Singh during a clash with Haryana security personnel, casting doubt on the impartiality of the probe panel.
Sources By Agencies