Farmers' March to Delhi Halted at Shambhu Border Amid Protest Against Proposed India-US Trade Deal

Hundreds of farmers from Punjab were stopped at the Shambhu border on Tuesday as they attempted to march towards Delhi to participate in a Kisan Mahapanchayat opposing the proposed India-US trade agreement.

Haryana Police prevented the farmers from crossing into the state by setting up extensive barricades at the Punjab-Haryana border. The security arrangements resembled those seen during the 2024 "Delhi Chalo" farmers' movement, when multiple layers of barricades were installed to block access to the national capital.

Unable to proceed, the farmers staged a protest at the Shambhu border, accusing authorities of restricting their right to peacefully demonstrate in Delhi.

Farmers gather at the Shambhu border after being stopped by police while marching towards Delhi for a protest.

BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh leader Tezveer Singh alleged that Haryana Police had placed barricades within Punjab's territory and criticized the Punjab government for failing to oppose the move.

Despite restrictions on Punjab-based protesters, farmer groups from Haryana, including participants from Ambala, Kurukshetra and nearby districts, continued towards the national capital to attend the Mahapanchayat.

The protest has been organized under the Desh Bachao Morcha, bringing together several farmer organizations from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The groups are demanding that the Centre withdraw the proposed India-US trade agreement, expressing concerns over its possible impact on India's agriculture and rural economy.

According to Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, convoys from multiple farmer organizations, including KMSC, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, Azaad Kisan Morcha and BKU Ekta Sangharsh, began their journey from different parts of Punjab before being stopped at the border.

Farmer leaders argue that the proposed bilateral trade agreement could extend beyond conventional trade and include sectors such as agriculture, dairy, digital commerce, investment, government procurement, intellectual property rights and services.

They fear that reduced trade barriers could allow greater imports of subsidized American agricultural and dairy products, making it difficult for India's small and marginal farmers to compete. Leaders also expressed concern over the lack of public information regarding the negotiations and called for greater transparency.

The protesting organizations stressed that India's dairy industry supports nearly 80 million rural families and warned that any policy changes affecting the sector could have widespread consequences for farmers, small businesses, food processors and the broader rural economy.

The Desh Bachao Morcha has urged the central government to release the complete details of the proposed trade agreement and hold extensive consultations with farmers, dairy producers, workers, traders and other stakeholders before finalizing any deal.