Convoys comprising vans, cars, tractor-trolleys, and buses carrying members of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha (QIM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) started their journey toward the Shambhu border on Friday morning as part of their announced "Dilli Chalo" march. The Punjab and Haryana governments have preemptively closed the route in anticipation of the large-scale protest movement.
Protest Objectives and Historical Significance
The two-day march called by QIM and KMM aims to highlight several critical issues, including concerns about Sikh prisoners, intellectuals, and minority rights. The demonstration also serves as a tribute commemorating the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, adding significant historical and religious importance to the protest movement.
Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, chief spokesperson of QIM, expressed the protesters' determination while speaking to media representatives. "We are on our way to the Shambhu border, as we have to reach the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi. We are going to our national capital... Let's see what they will do," he stated. Bathinda recalled that despite barricades erected by the Punjab Government on November 10 to prevent them from reaching Panjab University in Chandigarh, they had successfully advanced toward their destination.
Police Response and Traffic Management
As the first tractor-trolley reached Shambhu, police authorities prevented it from proceeding further and directed the driver to park the vehicle on the service road. In response to the developing situation, both state police forces have implemented comprehensive traffic management plans.
The Haryana Police issued an official traffic advisory announcing the closure of the Rajpura–Ambala–Delhi highway at Shambhu from 7 am to 6 pm on November 14. Similarly, the Punjab Police have closed this highway during the same timeframe in an effort to prevent protesters from accessing the main thoroughfare. Commuters have been strongly urged to utilize alternative routes and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic movement throughout the region.
Protest Leaders Voice Their Concerns
Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of KMM, revealed that members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee—a constituent organization of KMM—had already begun traveling toward Shambhu via National Highway 44. "We are surprised by the response of the Punjab Government. What can we say about Haryana?" he commented, expressing disappointment with the administrative reaction to their peaceful protest.
Surjeet Singh Phool, president of the Krantikari Kisan Union, another constituent of the KMM, confirmed that "Vehicles have started moving... let's see where they stop us", indicating the determined mindset of the protesting farmers and laborers.
Bathinda emphasized their non-confrontational approach, stating, "We don't want any conflict with Punjab or Haryana Police, but we do not want to be stopped either. We will stage a dharna wherever we are halted", outlining their strategy of peaceful resistance if prevented from continuing their journey toward Delhi.
Historical Context of Farmer Protests
This protest action follows previous demonstrations by farmers under the banners of KMM and SKM Non-Political, who staged a significant dharna at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders from February 13 to March 19, 2025. During that period, farmers were prevented from marching toward Delhi while demanding Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a legal guarantee—a issue that remains unresolved and continues to fuel agricultural activism in the region.
The current protest movement represents a continuation of farmer-led activism in northern India, now expanding to include broader concerns about minority rights and religious commemoration alongside persistent agricultural demands.
