Punjab farmers' Delhi march Highlights: Farmers end protest after agreement on demands, Centre to hold meeting within 10 days
Consensus reached on farmers' demands
Farmers announce end of their protest
Farmers to return home following agreement
Meeting with Union Agriculture Minister to be scheduled within 10 days
Punjab farmers held a meeting with Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, during which the Haryana Government agreed to two key demands put forward by the farmers. One of the major assurances was that the farmers currently in custody will be released soon.
The Haryana Agriculture Minister is also expected to issue a letter later this evening regarding a proposed meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Following the discussions, farmer leaders said they would hold an internal meeting before announcing their next course of action.
As farmers call for a march to Delhi in protest against the India-US trade deal, the Sonepat police have tightened the security. Beyond the existing three-layer barricading, the police have now started building a stone wall. A heavy police force has been deployed at Kundli border. Strict checking is underway of vehicles coming from Punjab and Haryana.
Punjab farmers' Delhi march LIVE: Farmers from Punjab have begun gathering at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders on Tuesday as part of their planned march towards Delhi to protest against the proposed India-US trade agreement. The Haryana Police have tightened security at both border points, leading to traffic disruptions and heavy police deployment.
The Haryana Police have sealed both Shambhu and Khanauri border points after farmers started arriving early Tuesday morning to begin their march towards Delhi. Multiple layers of barricades have been installed to stop protesters from entering Haryana.
A large number of police personnel have been deployed on the Haryana side of both borders. JCB machines have also been stationed to remove any temporary structures if protesters attempt to set up camps.
With the borders sealed, farmers have started sitting near the barricades and are preparing to continue their protest from the spot. Leaders have indicated that they are ready to hold a permanent sit-in if they are not allowed to move towards Delhi.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said the farmers intend to march to Delhi peacefully and are not looking for any confrontation with the administration.
He said the protesters are open to talks with the Centre and the Haryana government but objected to the heavy barricading at the borders. Pandher also alleged that some farmers had been detained and demanded their immediate release.
Section 163 imposed in Ambala
In view of the gathering, the Ambala administration has enforced Section 163 and warned protesters to stay at least 100 metre away from the barricades. Security agencies remain on high alert to prevent any attempt to cross into Haryana.
The closure of the Shambhu border has disrupted vehicular movement on the Delhi-Jalandhar National Highway. The Haryana Police have diverted vehicles through alternate routes and advised commuters to avoid the affected stretch.
Authorities have also asked people to dial 112 in case of any emergency.
Farmer organisations claim that the proposed India-US trade agreement could negatively impact the agricultural sector and farmers' interests. They are demanding clarity from the Centre and safeguards before any trade deal is finalised.
Stay tuned for LIVE updates as the situation develops at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
- PTC NEWS
