Chandigarh, July 21: Security forces in Haryana intercepted and detained several groups of farmers attempting to march toward New Delhi in protest against the proposed India-US trade agreement. Authorities set up multi-layer barricades at key interstate border points and regional transit routes to prevent the rallies from advancing toward the capital. The law enforcement action targeted members of various agricultural organizations operating under the umbrella banner of the Desh Bachao Morcha.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader and Desh Bachao Morcha coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher declared that farmers intended to conduct a peaceful assembly in the capital to express their legitimate concerns regarding the economic impact of the proposed agreement. Pandher asserted that heavily subsidized agricultural and dairy products from abroad could flood domestic markets, threatening the livelihoods of small and marginal landholders, dairy producers, and micro-enterprises across the nation. He maintained that the government should refrain from finalizing any international trade compact without holding comprehensive consultations with all primary stakeholders.
Prince Waraich, president of BKU Pehwa, affirmed that over fifty members of his organization were detained near police barricades while attempting to join the peaceful procession. Waraich declared that agricultural communities sought to present their concerns within a democratic framework, accusing state authorities of using force to stifle dialogue. The umbrella body demanded that the central government make all official documentation related to the proposed trade deal public before taking further steps.
