RAJPURA, 14 November — Massive security measures came into effect across Rajpura and the Shambhu border on Friday as Punjab Police blocked farmers attempting to advance towards Delhi during the two-day ‘Dilli Chalo’ march called by Quami Insaaf Morcha (QIM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM).
The unions had earlier declared that if stopped, they would stay put at Shambhu until evening. Police, however, allowed no leeway and barred any trolley from parking on the highway, aiming to avoid a repeat of the “pakka morcha” witnessed during the 2024–25 agitation. Tractors that reached the protest point were redirected to a nearby vacant tract of land.
The security footprint in Rajpura was striking, with officers positioned on both sides of the highway as protesters began to gather. Some farmers carrying union flags were intercepted at Rajpura itself, where the administration had installed heavy barricading through the night. “The instructions are clear—we cannot allow blockades under any circumstances,” a senior officer said.
Traffic between Rajpura and Shambhu was suspended, with Punjab Police diverting vehicles via Patran and Ghanaur for those travelling to Ambala or Delhi. Commuters moving from Mohali and Chandigarh were guided towards the Ambala–Zirakpur route to avoid the build-up.
Patiala SSP Varun Sharma toured the barricaded stretch and monitored troop placement. “Our priority is ensuring that no untoward incident takes place. We are prepared for all situations,” he stated. Both Punjab and Haryana had issued detailed traffic advisories a day earlier, warning travellers that the Rajpura–Ambala segment would remain shut from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Even as the restrictions remained tight, convoys of cars, vans and tractor-trolleys carrying QIM and KMM workers continued to move towards Shambhu. The march centres on demands including action on Sikh political prisoners. When the first trolley was stopped at the border, the participants expressed determination to push ahead. “We have to reach the Prime Minister’s residence. It is our right,” one protester said.
The situation remains tense, recalling the earlier eviction in March when police cleared the Shambhu and Khanauri morchas that had disrupted a major highway for nearly a year during the MSP agitation.
