Farmers marching toward Delhi under the “Delhi Chalo” protest were stopped at the Shambhu border by Haryana police, citing a lack of permission to enter the state.
Heavy Security Deployment and Drone Monitoring
Drone visuals revealed heavy police presence and barricades at the Shambhu border to prevent the entry of approximately 101 farmers. The Ambala administration imposed Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a security measure, to justify their actions.
Farmers Demand Talks or Safe Passage
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticized the government’s approach and reiterated the protesters’ demands.
“We should be allowed to go towards Delhi peacefully or be engaged in talks regarding our demands. If the government wants dialogue, they should provide an official letter from the central or state authorities. We want the central government to accept our demands, provide a protest site in Delhi, and restore internet services in Ambala,” Pandher said.
Haryana Implements Internet Shutdown
In an official move, the Haryana government ordered an internet shutdown in ten villages of Ambala district, including Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Manakpur, and Sultanpur. The shutdown, effective from December 6 to December 9, aims to curb misinformation and rumors on platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. Banking and mobile recharge services remain operational.
The official statement cited public safety concerns under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Protest Objectives
The protest, led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) in collaboration with other farmer organizations, demands:
- Compensation for losses incurred by farmers.
- A legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Reconsideration of agricultural reforms perceived as unfavorable to farmers.
Background
The farmers’ protest recalls the larger nationwide agitation against the three farm laws, which were eventually repealed in 2021 after prolonged demonstrations. This latest march reflects unresolved concerns around agricultural policies and MSP guarantees.