Supreme Court on Shambhu Border: The Shambhu border connecting Punjab-Haryana near Ambala is not going to open now. On the objection of the Haryana government, the Supreme Court has ordered that the status quo be maintained on the Shambhu border. That is, the situation that is currently prevailing on the Shambhu border will remain the same for now.
However, the Supreme Court has definitely said that in the coming time, there should be a consideration to remove the barricades on the Shambhu border in a phased manner. Steps should be taken for this so that the problems of the common people can be reduced. It is known that due to the farmers’ protest, the Haryana government has closed the Shambhu border by barricading it on its side.
An independent committee should be formed to discuss and resolve the issue with farmers
The Supreme Court has asked to form an independent and impartial committee to negotiate and resolve the issue with the farmers sitting on a dharna to march to Delhi regarding their demands. The Supreme Court said that this committee will consist of eminent persons who will be able to contact the farmers and other stakeholders and find a practical solution to their demands that is fair, just and in the interest of all.
Names of members for the committee sought from Punjab-Haryana
The court has asked the Haryana and Punjab governments to suggest names of suitable members for the independent committee. The Supreme Court said that the governments of both states should suggest names of members to be included in the committee within a week. For example, this committee formed on the instructions of the Supreme Court will now talk to the farmers about their problems and find solutions.
Farmers lack trust in the government- Supreme Court
Actually, the Supreme Court had asked the central government why no solution is being found by talking to the farmers? The court told the government that some steps will have to be taken to reach out to the farmers, then why would the farmers want to come to Delhi? At the same time, the farmers do not trust the minister that the government is sending from Delhi, despite his good intentions. They will think that the government is only talking about selfishness and ignoring local issues. Why doesn’t the government send a neutral person?
Questions arose regarding farmers’ tractors
During the hearing in the Supreme Court, questions were also raised about the farmers’ tractors. SG Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Haryana government, said that we do not have a problem with farmers coming to Delhi, but the way they want to come with modified tractors, trolleys and JCBs, their coming leads to tension. Along with this, under the Motor Vehicle Act, tractors, trolleys, JCBs are not allowed to run on the highway. SG Tushar Mehta said that farmers have turned tractors into weapons and are using them like armored war tanks.
Haryana government had filed a petition
In fact, on July 10, the Punjab-Haryana High Court had issued an order to the Haryana government to open the Shambhu border within a week. Concrete and iron barricades should be removed from the Shambhu border. Because the general public is facing inconvenience due to the border being closed. People are facing a lot of trouble in commuting. At the same time, the High Court had ordered both Punjab and Haryana to maintain law and order. But the Haryana government objected to this order of the High Court and challenged the order in the Supreme Court.
Shambhu border closed due to farmers’ protest
Farmers have been protesting at Shambhu border for the last 6 months. Shambhu border was closed due to the farmers’ protest. Since February 13, farmers of Punjab have been protesting at Shambhu border on Punjab-Haryana border and have opened a front against the central government.
Farmers want to go to Delhi mainly for their demands including a guarantee law on MSP. But they have been stopped at Shambhu border near Ambala. Farmers who are adamant on going to Delhi are not being allowed to go further. Haryana Police and paramilitary force personnel have sealed the Shambhu border.
Farmers have clashed with the police
Recently, there has been a clash between farmers and Haryana Police and paramilitary force personnel at Ambala’s Shambhu and Jind’s Khanauri border. The police continuously fired tear gas shells at the farmers. Farmers also died in the protest. Policemen on duty during the farmers’ protest also lost their lives.
What are the demands of the farmers?
Farmers have many demands including legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) of crops, implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations, pension for farmers and agricultural laborers, waiver of agricultural loans, withdrawal of police cases, etc.
It is known that, the farmers had several meetings with the ministers of the central government in Chandigarh but there was no consensus from both sides on the demands. Let us tell you that in 2020-21, there was a big farmer movement in Delhi regarding the 3 agricultural laws brought by the Center. After this, the central government withdrew all the three agricultural laws.