Security Heightened at Shambhu Border as Farmers Prepare to March Toward Delhi

Image source:Hindustan Times

Ahead of the planned farmers’ march to Delhi, scheduled for Friday, security measures have been significantly increased at the Shambhu border on NH-44. Both Haryana and Punjab police forces have mobilized substantial resources to manage the growing crowds of protesters. Over 100 farmers are set to march to Delhi to demand their rights.

On Thursday, Haryana police fortified the existing barricades with three additional layers, including wire mesh and movable traffic barriers. This adds to the seven-layer setup already in place, featuring walls, iron nails, and barbed wire. Authorities have also set up a tent in preparation for the demonstration.

Various farmer unions, including Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ekta and others from Haryana, are organizing under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) banners to press for their demands during the march. The protest site at the Shambhu border has seen a steady influx of farmers from districts in Punjab such as Taran Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Sangrur, and Patiala, as well as from Haryana’s Ambala and Sirsa.

The Ministry of Rural Development, represented by Kamlesh Paswan, has called for dialogue to resolve the farmers’ grievances. “No other government has done as much for farmers as the Modi government. We have extended support across various sectors,” he said. Paswan urged farmers to initiate talks with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizing that protests that disrupt public life would not lead to a resolution.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, addressing the crowd at the Shambhu border, confirmed that the farmers would begin their march toward Delhi at 1 p.m. on Friday. Despite an order from the Ambala district administration banning the assembly of five or more people, the farmers remain determined. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), aims to prevent unlawful gatherings and unauthorized processions.

The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of crops. Pandher explained that the first group of 101 farmers, dubbed the ‘Marjeevda Jatha,’ will begin the foot march to Delhi, and subsequent groups will follow in the coming days.

Ambala district police have heightened security at the border, deploying central paramilitary forces and imposing multi-layer barricades. The authorities have also warned farmers to obtain proper permissions before proceeding with their march. However, the farmer leaders argue that their march is peaceful and their demands should be addressed without confrontation.

Pandher criticized the excessive security measures, comparing the border to an international border. “If they have their way, they would stop even a bird from crossing,” he said, stressing that they are citizens of India, peacefully marching to the capital to voice their concerns.

The farmers’ demands go beyond MSP. They are also seeking farm debt relief, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, no increase in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases against protesters, and justice for those affected by the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Additionally, they are advocating for the reinstatement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the previous agitation.

As the situation continues to unfold, the farmers remain resolute in their pursuit of justice, determined to make their voices heard in Delhi.

TN HEADLINES24 INSIGHTS

TN HEADLINES24 INSIGHTS focuses on the current farmers’ march toward Delhi, highlighting several key points for consideration. It stresses the importance of constructive dialogue between the government and farmers to address the issues raised, particularly regarding Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and other agricultural concerns.

The heavy security presence at the Shambhu border prompts a discussion on whether such measures are essential for maintaining order or if they risk escalating tensions unnecessarily. The role of the media is also emphasized, with a call for balanced reporting that accurately reflects the perspectives of both the farmers and the government. While MSP is a primary concern, the editorial acknowledges that the farmers’ grievances are broader, encompassing issues like debt relief, farm labor rights, and long-term agricultural reforms.

It also considers the ethical implications of using force against peaceful protests, urging that the situation be handled with sensitivity and respect for the right to protest. The impact on everyday citizens, such as commuters and businesses, is another factor that should be taken into account, with a need for solutions that minimize disruptions while respecting the right to peaceful assembly.

Finally, we advocate for long-term, sustainable solutions to address the systemic challenges farmers face, ensuring that their concerns are met in a way that promotes long-term stability and fairness.

TN HEADLINES24 READERS’ INSIGHTS

We value your perspective on the ongoing farmers’ march and the government’s response. What are your thoughts on the current situation? Do you believe dialogue is the best way forward, or should more action be taken to address the farmers’ concerns?

Share your opinions with us in the comments below. Your insights help foster a more informed and constructive conversation around this crucial issue. We look forward to hearing from you!

TN HEADLINES24 QUIZ: TEST YOURSELF

Here are some multiple-choice questions based on the article about the farmers’ march toward Delhi:

1. What is the main reason for the farmers’ march toward Delhi?

A) To demand better wages for farm workers

B) To seek a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of crops

C) To protest the lack of agricultural subsidies

D) To call for the resignation of government officials

2. Which farmer unions are participating in the march under the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha banners?

A) Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ekta and other unions from Haryana

B) Indian Farmers’ Association and All India Kisan Sabha

C) Punjab Kisan Union and Maharashtra Farmers’ Front

D) All of the above

3. What security measures have been put in place at the Shambhu border ahead of the march?

A) Increased patrols by the army

B) A seven-layer barricading system, reinforced with wire mesh and movable traffic barriers

C) The use of drones to monitor protesters

D) Complete closure of all highways to Delhi

4. What is the government’s stance on resolving the farmers’ issues?

A) To ban all protests and arrest key leaders

B) To encourage dialogue with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

C) To send military forces to manage the situation

D) To offer immediate compensation for all farmers

5. What is the restriction imposed by the Ambala district administration on the farmers’ march?

A) No farmers can travel to Delhi under any circumstances

B) Prohibiting unlawful assembly of five or more persons

C) No protests are allowed in any public space

D) A complete ban on tractor-trolleys

6. How many farmers are expected to begin the first march (jatha) towards Delhi?

A) 50

B) 101

C) 500

D) 1,000

7. What additional demands are the farmers making beyond MSP?

A) Increased wages for agricultural laborers

B) Loan waivers, pensions for farmers, and withdrawal of police cases

C) Abolition of all government policies related to agriculture

D) The introduction of new laws for crop insurance

8. What was the government’s suggestion to the farmers during a press conference?

A) To immediately return to their homes

B) To stop the march to Delhi and take their concerns to local authorities

C) To meet with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for discussions

D) To involve international organizations in resolving the issue

TN HEADLINES24: VOCABULARY CHALLENGE 

1. What does the word “prohibitory” (as used in the article) mean?

A) Encouraging

B) Forbidden or restricted

C) Open to discussion

D) Easy to implement

2. The word “morale” in the phrase “moral victory” refers to:

A) Physical strength

B) Emotional and mental well-being

C) Legal rights

D) Financial success

3. What does “escalating” (as used in the article) most closely mean?

A) Getting smaller

B) Becoming more intense or serious

C) Remaining the same

D) Getting easier

4. What is the meaning of “grievances” in the context of the article?

A) Financial support

B) Personal complaints or dissatisfaction

C) Government benefits

D) Public celebrations

5. The term “sustainable” refers to something that is:

A) Likely to last for a short time

B) Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term

C) Dependent on external sources

D) Easily abandoned

6. What does “dialogue” mean as used in the article?

A) A fight between two groups

B) A formal speech

C) A conversation or discussion

D) A written statement

7. The word “mobilize” in the phrase “mobilizing resources” means:

A) To shut down

B) To transport to a safe location

C) To organize and deploy for action

D) To avoid participation

8. The word “barriers” (as used in the article) most likely refers to:

A) Financial supports

B) Physical obstructions

C) Legal protections

D) Online platforms

ANSWER KEY

1. B) Forbidden or restricted

2. B) Emotional and mental well-being

3. B) Becoming more intense or serious

4. B) Personal complaints or dissatisfaction

5. B) Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term

6. C) A conversation or discussion

7. C) To organize and deploy for action

8. B) Physical obstructions