High Court Sets Deadline For Shambhu Border Reopening Amid Farmer Protest

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Haryana government, instructing them to reopen the Shambhu border within a week amid Farmer Protest. This decision comes after the border, a crucial link between Punjab and Haryana, was reportedly blocked by protesting farmers and subsequently closed by the state government.

The court also emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order in the region, which has been disrupted for over five months due to the border closure. This directive follows a PIL filed on July 6, seeking the passage of public transport and vehicles through the Shambhu border. NH 44, which the Shambhu border connects, is vital as it links New Delhi to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, serving as a lifeline for regional transportation and commerce.

Since February 13, farmer protest has been staging at Shambhu Border, prompting the closure of the border. This prolonged closure has significantly impacted the local populace, especially businesses in Ambala district, who have faced challenges in conducting their operations.

Haryana’s Transport Minister Aseem Goel has urged the Union agriculture minister to engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers to facilitate the reopening of the Shambhu border. He emphasized that resolving the issue would not only alleviate local hardships but also facilitate smoother business operations in the area.

The ongoing protests are part of the broader Delhi Chalo march organized by non-political groups like the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, advocating for the fulfillment of their demands by the government.