Chandigarh, August 16: Haryana authorities have stepped up security at the Khanauri border with Punjab as a group of farmers began a long-distance foot march towards New Delhi to press for agricultural demands and oppose the proposed India-US trade agreement.
The farmers, associated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), started the nearly 228-km Kisan Bachao Padyatra from the Data Singhwala area on the Punjab side on Saturday. The marchers are scheduled to reach Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 29.The Haryana Police have restricted movement at the Khanauri crossing and erected several layers of barricades to prevent the protesters from entering the state.
Jind Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh said the organisers had not obtained the required permission for the march through Haryana. He said the protesters would not be permitted to cross into the state and proceed towards Delhi.
A substantial police contingent has been deployed around the Narwana canal bridge, with concrete barriers, metal barricades, water cannons and riot-control vehicles positioned at strategic locations.Traffic moving between Punjab and Haryana through the Khanauri route has been diverted to alternative roads, while officials said arrangements were being monitored to minimise disruption to commuters.
The farmer group, led by Jagjit Singh Dallewal, said the march would highlight demands including a statutory guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), opposition to proposed free-trade agreements and the release of detained farmer leaders.Around 51 farmers are taking part in the initial phase of the foot march. Participants also carried soil associated with farmer Shubhkaran Singh, whose death during clashes at Khanauri during the 2024 farmers’ agitation remains a significant issue for protesting unions.
The Khanauri crossing has emerged as a sensitive point because it witnessed clashes between protesting farmers and security personnel during the 2024 ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement.Police officials said the restrictions were focused on the border area and clarified that there was no general shutdown of roads across Jind district. Other major routes remained operational, with traffic arrangements being reviewed regularly.
The latest standoff comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Haryana following recent protests in Ambala and Hansi. Authorities have maintained a heavy security presence at sensitive locations to prevent any escalation as the farmers’ march progresses towards Delhi.
