Chandigarh: Farmers protesting at Punjab’s Shambhu border have voiced concerns over their safety after observing Haryana security forces removing a cement slab from a seven-layer barricade on National Highway-44 on Tuesday. Punjab Police sources confirmed the removal of a 4-foot-wide slab, which had been part of the barrier meant to prevent farmers from entering Haryana.
The incident coincides with the hospitalization of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was to start a fast-unto-death protest at the Khanauri border to mark the fourth anniversary of the farmers’ movement against the now-repealed farm laws.
The farmers, who started their protest in February 2024 as a continuation of the 2020 Delhi demonstrations, have been stationed at the Shambhu toll barrier for nine months after being blocked from entering Haryana. Their primary demands include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, along with 13 other issues.
“We saw Haryana security forces removing a cemented slab near us and testing their water cannons. Beyond that, we don’t know their intentions,” said Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).
Haryana Police, however dismissed the allegations. “These are baseless rumours. No barricades have been removed, and the situation remains unchanged,” said Surinder Singh Bhoria, Superintendent of Police, Ambala.
Despite the odds, Pandher declared that the farmers would march to Delhi on foot on December 6. He also added that they had sent an email to the Central Government in January 2024 seeking permission for protests at Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Ground but have received no response. He did not confirm if they had formally notified authorities about the December 6 march.
Meanwhile, Patiala Police shifted Jagjit Singh Dallewal, coordinator of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), to a hospital early Tuesday, hours before his planned hunger strike in Punjab’s Sangrur district. His supporters confirmed he began his fast in the hospital, while another leader, Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, commenced his hunger strike at the Khanauri border.
This protest is a continuation of the farmers’ movement that started on November 26, 2020, with thousands marching to Delhi against the now-scrapped farm laws. The agitation going on reflects their push for broader agricultural reforms and legal safeguards.