Farmer organisations have called for a march to Delhi on Monday in protest against the proposed India–United States trade agreement. In view of the planned march, security has been tightened at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana.
The administration has deployed heavy police personnel and installed multiple barricades to regulate potential crowds and movement. JCB machines and cranes have also been stationed at the site.
Farmer organisations plan to hold a demonstration at Kisan Ghat in Delhi. Security has also been increased along the Punjab-Haryana border and around the Ghaggar bridge area. The administration said it is continuously monitoring the situation and keeping watch on the movement of farmer groups heading towards Delhi.
Following the announcement of the march, the Haryana Police and the administration strengthened security arrangements at the Shambhu border. Multiple layers of barricading have been put in place to regulate the movement of farmer convoys if required. A large number of police personnel and other security forces have been deployed, while JCB machines and cranes have been kept on standby.
According to the available information, National Highway-44 has not been completely closed at present. The administration said decisions related to traffic and security could be taken depending on the situation. Officials are continuously assessing developments related to the farmers' march to avoid any untoward incidents and minimise inconvenience to commuters.
According to Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, among other states, may participate in the proposed demonstration. The protest is being organised under the banner of the "Desh Bachao Morcha".
Farmer organisations said farmers are concerned about the potential provisions of the proposed India–United States trade agreement. They claim that if the agreement encourages increased imports of foreign agricultural products, it could affect the domestic agricultural market and farmers' income.
Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed concern that imports of lower-priced agricultural products could increase pressure on Indian farmers, agricultural labourers, livestock rearers and small businesses. Farmer organisations argue that greater access for foreign agricultural products could make competition more difficult for domestic producers.
Farmer leaders also claimed that the proposed agreement may have implications beyond the agricultural sector. According to them, sectors including dairy, small industries, digital trade, e-commerce, government procurement, intellectual property rights (IPR) and services could also be affected. However, there are differing views among various stakeholders regarding the final provisions of the trade agreement and its broader economic impact. Farmer organisations have urged the government to prioritise the interests of farmers and other affected groups before finalising any agreement.
