Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana gathered near the Shambhu border on Tuesday as farmer organisations prepared to march towards the national capital for a Kisan Mahapanchayat opposing the proposed India-US trade agreement.

The mobilisation has brought renewed attention to farmers’ concerns over trade policy and the possible impact of international agreements on India’s agricultural sector. The gathering at the Punjab-Haryana border was accompanied by a heavy security presence, with authorities putting up barricades and placing cement blocks along key routes to regulate the movement of protesters.

The Kisan Mahapanchayat, being organised under the banner of the ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’, is scheduled to take place at Kisan Ghat in Delhi. Farmer leaders had called on participants from different parts of the country, particularly Punjab and Haryana, to join the gathering and raise their concerns over the proposed trade arrangement between India and the United States.

The latest mobilisation comes amid heightened political and public activity in the national capital, adding to the security and traffic challenges faced by authorities. Farmers travelling towards Delhi have encountered restrictions at several points, while police deployments have been increased along important routes.

Large Gathering Reported at Shambhu Border

More than 1,000 farmers were reported to have assembled at the Shambhu border, a strategically important point connecting Punjab and Haryana. The area witnessed a significant deployment of security personnel as farmers prepared for the next phase of their journey towards Delhi.

Barricades were erected at the border, while heavy concrete blocks were placed on the bridge over the Ghaggar river. The security arrangements appeared aimed at controlling the movement of large groups and preventing possible disruptions to traffic and public order.

The developments have intensified the confrontation between farmer groups and the authorities over the proposed march. Farmer leaders have maintained that their mobilisation is peaceful and that they should be allowed to travel to Delhi to participate in the scheduled Mahapanchayat.

Sarwan Singh Pandher Criticises Haryana Government

Punjab-based farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the Haryana government over the restrictions imposed at the Shambhu border. He alleged that the barricading was intended to prevent farmers from reaching Delhi for the Kisan Mahapanchayat.

Pandher said farmers wanted to proceed peacefully and participate in the gathering without creating disorder. He questioned the decision to stop them at the state border and accused the Haryana government of adopting an approach that was inconsistent with its public outreach to farmers in Punjab.

The farmer leader also criticised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, alleging that the government’s actions at the border contradicted the assurances and promises made to farmers on various occasions.

The accusations have added a political dimension to the ongoing dispute, with farmer organisations arguing that their concerns over agricultural policy and international trade should be addressed through dialogue rather than restrictions on peaceful mobilisation.

Gurnam Singh Charuni Detained While Heading to Delhi

The tensions increased further after Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni was detained in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district while travelling towards Delhi to participate in the farmers’ Mahapanchayat.

According to representatives of his organisation, Charuni’s vehicle was stopped by police on National Highway-152D near Pehowa. He was subsequently taken into custody and escorted away by police personnel.

The detention triggered protests among sections of farmers in Haryana. Soon after news of Charuni’s detention spread, farmers gathered at a toll plaza on the Hisar-Chandigarh highway near Thana village and staged a sit-in demonstration.

The protesters raised slogans against the Centre and expressed opposition to what they described as attempts to prevent farmer leaders and supporters from reaching Delhi. Demonstrators sat on the road as police personnel remained present to monitor the situation and maintain order.

The incident has added to concerns among farmer organisations that the movement of their supporters could face further restrictions as the Delhi gathering progresses.

Opposition to Proposed India-US Trade Agreement

At the centre of the farmers’ mobilisation is opposition to the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States. Farmer organisations have raised concerns about the possible consequences of greater international market access for Indian agriculture.

The farming community has long remained sensitive to trade policies involving agricultural commodities, particularly when such agreements could potentially increase competition from imported products. Farmer groups have repeatedly argued that policy decisions concerning trade and agriculture should take into account the interests of cultivators, especially small and marginal farmers.

The Mahapanchayat is therefore expected to serve as a platform for farmer leaders to articulate their concerns and press the government for greater clarity and consultation on the proposed agreement.

The protest movement also reflects broader concerns about the future of Indian agriculture, including market stability, farmers’ incomes and the potential impact of international trade commitments on domestic producers.

Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory

With the farmers’ gathering scheduled to take place at Kisan Ghat, authorities in Delhi have issued a traffic advisory for Tuesday. Commuters have been urged to avoid several important roads and intersections in central Delhi as restrictions and diversions may be implemented depending on the movement of protesters.

The advisory covers areas around Delhi Gate, Rajghat Crossing, Guru Nanak Chowk, Shantivan Chowk, Rajghat DTC Depot and the IP Flyover. Motorists have also been advised to avoid routes including Satyagrah Marg, Velodrome Road and roads around the Rajghat area.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place as authorities assess the movement of farmers and the size of the gathering. Commuters travelling through central Delhi have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and use alternative routes where possible.

Security Tightened Amid Multiple Mobilisations

The farmers’ march comes at a time when Delhi is witnessing several public demonstrations and political mobilisations. Authorities are therefore facing the challenge of managing multiple gatherings while ensuring that traffic and essential public services remain unaffected.

The heavy deployment at the Shambhu border and the traffic restrictions in Delhi underline the administration’s efforts to prevent any major disruption. At the same time, farmer organisations have insisted that their protest is peaceful and focused on raising their concerns over government policies.

The coming hours are likely to determine whether the farmers will be able to proceed towards Delhi in large numbers and how the authorities respond to the mobilisation. The situation could also influence the broader political debate over the proposed India-US trade agreement and the government’s engagement with farmer groups.

For now, the Shambhu border remains a key point of tension, with farmers gathering in significant numbers and security forces maintaining a strong presence. The developments have once again placed farmers’ concerns, agricultural trade policy and the right to peaceful protest at the centre of national attention.