Delhi is preparing for another round of heavy traffic disruptions this week as farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), organize their "Dilli Chalo" march from the Shambhu border. In response, Haryana's Ambala district imposed prohibitory orders this evening, restricting large gatherings to maintain law and order.

The march, set to begin at 1 PM, marks the second attempt this week by farmers to reach the Parliament building in Delhi. Earlier on Monday, farmers from Uttar Pradesh attempted a similar march but were halted at Noida. Despite not reaching their destination, the demonstration caused severe traffic congestion along the border.

Farmers' Demands

The protesters are calling for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, along with other demands, including:

• Waiver of farm loans.
• Pension schemes for farmers and agricultural laborers.
• Withdrawal of police cases filed against farmers.
• Stable electricity tariffs without hikes.
• Justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Protest Timeline and Security Measures

Since February 13, the farmers have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana after their march was blocked by security forces. The situation escalated on February 21 when a Punjab farmer, Shubhkaran Singh, tragically lost his life during a clash at the Khanauri border. Teargas was reportedly used by security personnel to disperse the protesters.

In anticipation of the upcoming march, multi-layer barricades have been set up on the Haryana side of the border, supported by central paramilitary forces. Senior police officials are actively monitoring the situation to prevent escalation.

Supreme Court's View

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of public inconvenience caused by protests. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the importance of balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to avoid disruptions. The court noted, “In a democratic setup, peaceful protests are a fundamental right, but they should not obstruct highways or inconvenience the public. The Khanauri border is vital for Punjab, and its closure affects many lives.”

As the farmers prepare to march, authorities remain vigilant, prioritizing security while urging the protesters to maintain peace and avoid disruptions.