New Delhi: Amid the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee has announced that its members will travel to the national capital to take part in a one-day farmers’ Mahapanchayat on Tuesday. In response, the Haryana government has sealed the Shambhu border and stepped up security at key routes leading to Delhi’s borders.
What is the protest about?
Farmers from Haryana, Punjab and several other states have announced a Mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat in Delhi regarding the proposed India-US trade agreement.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab leader Germanjit Singh Bandala alleged that the proposed trade pact would adversely affect Indian farmers, labourers, small traders and the broader public.
Has police sealed the Shambhu border?
Barricades have been erected at the Shambhu border to stop farmers from going to Delhi. A large number of police forces are deployed at the Shambhu border of Punjab and Haryana. Barricades have been placed on the bridge over the Ghaggar River. Cement blocks have been placed to stop the movement of farmers. The farmers are demanding the complete cancellation of the proposed India-US trade agreement. After reaching the Shambhu border, discussions will be held with other farmer leaders to decide the future strategy.
Farmers gathered at the toll plaza on the Hisar-Chandigarh section of the National Highway in Thana village. Protests were also held at several other locations. A group of farmers blocked the Shambhu toll plaza near Ambala, disrupting traffic for some time.
What did the farmers demand?
Farmers’ organizations are protesting the India-US trade agreement. Farmer leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are also participating. Farmers said that the trade agreement will allow cheap agricultural imports from the US into India. This will adversely affect small farm laborers, livestock farmers, and small businesses. Farmers’ organizations claim that India will suffer losses in sectors like agriculture and dairy. The proposed trade agreement will have a serious impact on Indian agriculture and jeopardize farmers’ livelihoods.
