In a significant development, the Supreme Court has instructed the Haryana government to immediately open the barricaded Shambhu border and ensure the regulated movement of traffic. The directive comes following a plea against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s July 10 order, which mandated the resumption of traffic within seven days at the border.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, questioned the legality of a state blocking a national highway, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to manage traffic effectively. The border closure, enforced since February 13 amid protests by Punjab farmer organizations demanding legal assurances on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, has led to prolonged tensions and inconvenience.
Farmers, who have been camped at the barricaded border due to clashes with Haryana Police and central security forces, have welcomed the high court’s decision. Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) expressed relief, stating their intention to resume their march towards Delhi once the barricades are removed as per the court’s order.
Ramandeep Singh Mann from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) clarified that their ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement was ongoing, affirming their commitment to peaceful protests and urging authorities to designate a suitable venue in Delhi.
Sources By Agencies