Farmers Set to March to Delhi After Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Reopen Shambhu Border: Know the Date
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers from Punjab are once again gearing up to march towards Delhi from Shambhu Border. A group of 101 farmers has decided to undertake a foot march to Delhi on December 14, a decision made during a meeting held at Shambhu Border. This move comes after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the opening of the Shambhu Border. During the hearing on Monday, the court noted that a similar petition was already pending and questioned why such petitions were being filed repeatedly.
Petition Dismissed
The bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, stated that the case was already pending and no separate hearing would be conducted for the new petition. However, the petitioner could file an application in the ongoing case. The petition in the Supreme Court had been filed by Gaurav Luthra, seeking the opening of Shambhu Border as well as other borders.
Border Closure Violates Fundamental Rights
Gaurav Luthra, a resident of Jalandhar, Punjab, argued in his petition that the central, Punjab, and Haryana governments should be ordered by the Supreme Court to open all borders. He claimed that closing the borders was a violation of fundamental rights.
Farmers Have Been Protesting Since February
Farmers from Punjab have been protesting at Shambhu Border since February 2023, demanding their rights. On December 6, farmers attempted to march forward, but were pushed back by police using tear gas. On December 8, another attempt was made by farmers to head towards Delhi, but after nearly four hours, the group turned back from Shambhu Border.
Police Showers Flowers on Farmers
While standing under the shade at Shambhu Border, Haryana police showered farmers with flowers. However, farmers claimed that the flowers were laced with chemicals, causing irritation in their eyes. Afterward, police fired tear gas shells at the farmers, injuring three of them, one of whom is in critical condition and was referred to PGI Chandigarh. Following the incident, farmer leaders decided to call back the group.
