Farmers Announce Tractor March and Rail Roko Amid Clashes at Shambhu Border

“After police block farmers at Shambhu Border, Sarwan Singh Pandher accuses authorities of negligence and calls for intensified protests on December 16 and 18.”

Shambhu Border (Punjab), December 14: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced tractor march outside Punjab on December 16 and a statewide ‘Rail Roko’ protest on December 18. This escalation comes after 101 farmers marching towards Delhi (‘Delhi Kooch’) were stopped by police at the Shambhu Border due to security concerns.

Pandher claimed that 17 farmers were injured as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. Speaking to ANI, he alleged that several injured farmers were in serious condition and accused authorities of failing to provide adequate medical care.

“The Indian government, the fifth-largest economy in the world, used force against 101 farmers. Tear gas shells and chemical water cannons were used against us. Seventeen farmers are injured, but proper treatment is being denied. We call on the Punjab government to ensure they receive adequate care,” Pandher said.

Plans for Intensified Protests

Despite being blocked at the border, Pandher announced a series of intensified protests. “On December 16, we will organize a tractor march outside Punjab, and on December 18, we have called for a ‘Rail Roko’ protest across Punjab. We urge all Punjabis to join us in large numbers,” he said.

Pandher also criticized opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, for not raising farmers’ issues effectively during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. “The opposition must do more than issue statements. Rahul Gandhi promised to support us but has failed to fulfill his assurances,” Pandher added.

Clashes at Shambhu Border

Earlier in the day, tensions flared at the Shambhu Border as security forces used tear gas and water cannons to stop farmers from marching towards Delhi. Protesters urged the police to allow them to proceed peacefully. Addressing the police, a farmer leader said, “SP Sahab, we want to march to Delhi peacefully. Please give us the road. Do not suppress our voice with barricades.”

Ambala Superintendent of Police responded, saying, “To march to Delhi, you must have proper permission. Follow the rules and sit peacefully here. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for December 18.”

Police presence at the border was heightened after farmers announced their renewed march towards Delhi. As the agitation intensifies, protesters are determined to press the government into addressing their long-standing demands, including implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms.