KHANAURI (Jind): Haryana police on Saturday tightened security at the Khanauri border and sealed the crossing with a five-layer barricade to prevent a farmers' march from entering the state en route to Delhi, officials said. The move came as farmers gathered on the Punjab side ahead of a 228-km "Kisan Bachao Padyatra" scheduled to start that day.
Deployment and measures
Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh told reporters that the border had been closed and that the authorities would not allow marchers to enter Haryana and proceed towards the national capital. A substantial contingent of police personnel has been deployed near the Narwana canal bridge, the SP said, and security arrangements include concrete barricades, metal barriers, water cannon and riot-control vehicles.
Police and district administration officials said multi-layered barricading had been put in place to thwart any attempt to breach the line. With the Khanauri crossing being an important link between Punjab and Haryana, officials warned that traffic movement in the area was likely to be affected and asked commuters to follow directions issued by the authorities.
About the planned march
The protest is being led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, described in announcements as a non-political body and reported to be organised under the leadership of Jagjit Dallewal. The group has announced a 228-km padyatra from the Khanauri–Data Singhwala border that is expected to reach Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 29. The march aims to oppose a proposed India–US trade agreement and to press other, unspecified demands.
"The farmers will not be allowed to enter Haryana and proceed towards Delhi," the Jind SP said.
Permissions and legal position
According to police statements, the farmer bodies had not obtained permission for the march. Authorities cited this as one reason for denying entry into Haryana. The SP and administration officials said their actions were focussed on maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety on the inter-state link.
Impact on commuters and local population
With the Khanauri border sealed and security vehicles stationed at strategic points, local transport and through traffic are expected to face delays. Officials urged commuters to avoid the immediate border area until further notice and to follow alternative routes indicated by traffic police.
- Security measures: five-layer barricading, concrete blocks, metal barriers, water cannon, riot-control vehicles.
- Enforcement location: Narwana canal bridge and surrounding approaches to Khanauri border.
- Planned march: 228 km from Khanauri–Data Singhwala to Jantar Mantar, scheduled Aug 16–29.
Background and wider context
Khanauri is a strategically important crossing between Punjab and Haryana and has in the past been a focal point for farmer protests and inter-state movement. Large-scale demonstrations that aim to reach Delhi often require coordination between multiple state police forces and the Central authorities to manage routes and ensure public safety.
Officials did not provide a precise estimate of the number of farmers present on the Punjab side at the time the border was sealed. They reiterated that their primary objective was to prevent any unauthorised entry into Haryana and to minimise disruptions on the link road.
Administration stance and next steps
District authorities in Jind said they were keeping a close watch on developments and would review the situation as events unfolded. The police asked groups planning protests to obtain formal permissions and to coordinate with district administrations to allow for controlled movement and to avert clashes or damage to public property.
At the time of filing, there was no official confirmation that talks had been initiated between farmers' leaders and the Haryana administration. The state police said they would respond to any attempt to breach the barricades in accordance with established crowd-control protocols.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Border sealed | Khanauri (Punjab–Haryana) |
| Security measures | Five-layer barricading, concrete blocks, metal barriers, water cannon, riot vehicles |
| March organiser | Samyukta Kisan Morcha (led by Jagjit Dallewal) |
| Planned route | Khanauri–Data Singhwala to Jantar Mantar, 228 km |
| Schedule | Start: August 16; expected to reach Delhi by August 29 |
Authorities advised residents and travellers to monitor official advisories and to use alternative routes until the situation stabilises.
