Chandigarh, July 21: State police authorities detained farmer union leaders and activists across various locations in Haryana to prevent them from proceeding toward New Delhi for a planned demonstration against the proposed India-US trade deal. Intercepted near border points and regional highways, members of multiple Bharatiya Kisan Union factions were stopped as police erected barricades along major roads connecting Punjab, Haryana, and the national capital.
BKU Pehwa president Prince Waraich declared that dozens of activists were taken into custody near police checkpoints while attempting to march peacefully. Waraich maintained that farm organizations remain united in their core objective to safeguard domestic agriculture, even as different unions adopt varying operational strategies to register their protest. Meanwhile, representatives from other farm factions affirmed that they would launch local campaigns, including toll plaza sit-ins, to press their demands against the proposed agreement.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher affirmed that the proposed trade framework threatens crucial sectors beyond farming, including dairy, small-scale industry, e-commerce, and digital trade. He stated that low-cost imports could severely destabilize rural income structures and small businesses. The protesting unions declared that their agitation will continue until the central government provides firm assurances regarding the protection of domestic agricultural interests.
