Ambala, Haryana: Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Ambala until December 9 as farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) resumed their long-delayed 'Dilli Chalo' march today. The protest, which began with 101 farmers from Punjab, is aimed at pressing the central government for demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

The farmers, who had been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders for months, resumed their march towards Delhi, defying the heavy security measures. Despite repeated requests from police, the protesters managed to topple barricades at the Shambhu border, though they were stopped by concrete blocks, iron nails, and barbed wire deployed by authorities. A farmer was detained as a result of the incident.

Heavy Security and Prohibitory Orders in Ambala:

In anticipation of the march, authorities have enforced strict security measures, including deploying paramilitary forces, water cannons, and drones. Prohibitory orders have been imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS, restricting the assembly of five or more people in the district. All government and private schools in Ambala have been closed today due to the ongoing protest.

Ambala’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Surendra Bhoria, emphasized that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. He stated, "If the farmers wish to go to Delhi, they must first get permission from the Delhi Police." The district administration had earlier advised farmers to reconsider their march and seek permission from Delhi Police, though the Delhi Police clarified that no such request had been received.

Farmers' Demands:

The farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waivers, pensions for farmers, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri victims. They also want the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the farmers who died during previous agitations in 2020-21.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is leading the protest, stressed that the march would remain peaceful. "We have been sitting here for eight months. We want the government to respect our democratic right to protest," he said, adding that farmers would march on foot rather than using tractors in response to accusations that their tractors were modified.

Impact on Delhi-NCR:

The march is expected to cause significant disruptions in the Delhi-NCR region, with security at key routes and borders being tightened. Barricades have been set up to prevent the farmers from entering Delhi without permission. Commuters in the region are likely to face heavy traffic jams as a result.

Government’s Response:

The government, which has already held several rounds of talks with the farmers earlier this year, stated that the doors remain open for further negotiations. However, farmer leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of communication since February.

Pandher added, "We are hopeful that the government will come to the table for talks to address our demands. Our movement is supported by khap panchayats and the business community." As the farmers' march continues, tensions remain high, with both the farmers and authorities on alert. The government is urging farmers to follow legal processes while asserting their right to protest. Meanwhile, the farmers remain determined to march to Delhi until their demands are met.