The Supreme Court has ordered the partial reopening of the Shambhu Border. The court stated that one lane on each side of the Shambhu Border can be opened for travelers. The court instructed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of both Haryana and Punjab to meet within a week to discuss the reopening of the border.
The Supreme Court mentioned that a non-political committee will engage with the farmers and resolve issues, for which both the Center and Punjab have submitted names. The court emphasized that highways are not for parking tractors.
The court stated, 'Each side of the Shambhu Border can open one lane for travelers. We direct the Senior Superintendents of Police and the Deputy Commissioners of Patiala and Ambala to hold a meeting and outline a plan for partially opening the highway for ambulances, essential services, students, and daily commuters from the nearby area.' The next hearing of the case will be on August 22.
Read more: Farmers will move to Delhi as Shambhu Border opens; also plan sit-in outside Ambala SP office
400 Farmers Still Camped at Shambhu Border
Around 400 farmers from different parts of Punjab are still camping at the Shambhu Border. Although many farmers have returned to their fields for rice transplantation, the court's decision has offered some relief to the protesters enduring severe cold and scorching heat. Over two dozen farmers have lost their lives during the five-month-long protest at the Shambhu Border. Farmer unions are yet to decide when they will resume their march. A meeting of farmer unions was scheduled for this week at the Shambhu Border.
Farmers’ Demands
The protest at Shambhu Border is being led by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the non-political body, Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Farmers had blocked Shambhu railway station demanding the release of three protesters but vacated it after a month. Their demands include guaranteeing a minimum support price for two dozen crops, a monthly pension for elderly farmers and laborers, and loan waivers.
Read more: High Court orders to open Shambhu Border; Farmer groups plan another march to Delhi... What’s next?
