BATHINDA: The blockade at the national highway at Shambhu, situated on Punjab and Haryana border will continue for some more time as the Supreme Court has ordered status quo for a week while hearing a plea of the Haryana government against the July 10 order of Punjab and Haryana high court of clearing the barricades. The Supreme Court has stressed the need to form a committee of eminent and independent persons who can negotiate with the state governments of Punjab and Haryana and the protesting farmers to find a resolution to the vexed issue.
The court asked the states to suggest the names of persons who could be included in the proposed committee or the court will look into it. By then the status quo will be maintained by all sides and prevent flaring up of the situation at the site. The court asked the states to submit a proposal to remove barricades in a phased manner to prevent inconvenience to general public.
The court earlier observed there is a trust deficit as to why the farmers want to come to Delhi as you (government) are sending ministers. They think you are talking about self interests and ignoring local issues.
The solicitor general put question marks over their march towards Delhi saying they may come with tractors, JCBs. The JCBs are converted into virtual war tanks, armoured vehicles as they have photographs.
Punjab AG Gurminder Singh, however, stated they (farmers) are well within their rights to regulate. But highway blockade is resulting in huge ramifications for Punjab economically.
Upon it the court stated it do not want a fight between Punjab and Haryana. Let appropriate instructions be taken within a week. Till then let parties maintain status quo at the site to prevent flaring up of the situation.
Farmers stated they will go by the detailed order and take appropriate decision. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher said “the picture will be clear upon reading the Supreme Court order but as per reports if status quo is maintained at Shambhu border, with it traders, transporters from both the states stand to lose. We don’t take JCBs but take only tractor trailers. As far as formation of the committee is concerned, we will decide on it but we don’t feel any good from the Central and Haryana government”. He said the Hartyana government had been indulging into a blame game accusing the farmers of blocking the road but now as the High Court had ordered to remove the barricades it reached the Supreme Court and again blamed the farmers for converting the protest site into a war zone, which is incorrect and offensive.
