Under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, farmers began a march towards Delhi on Friday, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops. However, the group of 101 farmers, or jatha, was halted at the Shambhu border by Haryana police, who cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Police Action and Protests at the Border
The marchers faced barricades, tear gas shelling, and a heavy security presence. A group of farmers attempted to dismantle barricades on the Ghaggar River bridge, removing iron nails and pushing through iron mesh set up by security forces. Despite chants of “Satnam Waheguru” and their resolve, the farmers were stopped from advancing further.
Security forces used water cannon vehicles and reinforced barricades at the Shambhu border point. Internet and bulk SMS services were suspended in 11 Ambala villages, including Dangdehri, Lohgarh, and Manakpur, to manage the unrest.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher labeled the 101 participants in the jatha as marjeevras—individuals prepared to die for a cause. Pandher condemned the Haryana government for preventing a peaceful, foot-based march to Delhi, calling it a “moral victory” for farmers. He questioned the government’s resistance, saying, “Their leaders at the Centre and in states have been regularly saying that if farmers do not bring tractor-trolleys, there should be no objection. So, if we go to Delhi on foot, there should be no reason to stop us.”
Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after being stopped by security forces from proceeding to Delhi. Their march seeks accountability from the government for promises made in 2021 regarding better crop prices and MSP guarantees.
Following injuries to several farmers due to tear gas shelling, the protesting unions decided to recall the group marching towards Delhi. Despite the setback, the farmers vowed to continue their struggle for fair crop prices and legal assurances on MSP.