Members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) have blocked National Highway-52 at the Khanauri border after being stopped from marching to Delhi. The protest targets a proposed India-US trade deal, causing massive traffic disruptions across the region.
- NH-52 blocked at the Punjab-Haryana border by SKM (non-political) members.
- Protesters are opposing a proposed India-US trade deal.
- Farmers demand a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- Haryana administration has deployed boulders and water cannons to stop the march.
National Highway-52, a critical artery connecting Punjab and Haryana, has been brought to a standstill on Monday. Members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) have erected tents and established a camp at the Khanauri border, effectively blocking traffic after the Haryana administration halted their 'Kisan Bachao Padyatra' (Save Farmers March) destined for New Delhi.
The march, which began with a core group of 51 farmers and approximately 200 support staff, was designed to cover 228 kilometers to reach Jantar Mantar by August 29. The primary grievance driving this mobilization is the proposed India-US trade deal, which farmer leaders fear will jeopardize domestic agricultural interests. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, convenor of SKM (non-political), stated that since they are not being allowed to march even on foot, they have no choice but to occupy the location where they were stopped.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this blockade is not merely a local traffic issue but a strategic signal to the central government. By choosing the Khanauri border—a site of previous intense conflict—the farmers are leveraging historical momentum to force a dialogue on international trade policies. The involvement of farmers from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan indicates that the discontent regarding the India-US trade deal is expanding beyond the borders of Punjab, transforming into a multi-state agrarian movement.
The strategic blockade of NH-52 serves as a high-pressure tactic to ensure that agricultural safeguards are non-negotiable in any bilateral trade agreement with the United States.
The disruption has caused significant chaos for commuters traveling between Sangrur, Patiala, and Barnala towards Narwana, Jind, and Delhi. To mitigate the crisis, authorities have suggested alternative routes via Sangrur–Sunam–Lehra Gaga–Moonak or Patiala–Samana–Kaithal, though these diversions significantly increase travel time and distance.
Historical Background
This current standoff revives memories of the prolonged blockade of 2024-25, where the same stretch of highway remained shut from February 13, 2024, to March 19, 2025. During that period, farmers demanded legally guaranteed Minimum Support Prices (MSP). That agitation ended only after the Punjab Police forcibly removed the sit-ins. The economic fallout from that previous blockade was severe, with local village roads suffering damage and taxi fares spiking by up to Rs 3,000 per trip.
| Feature | 2024-25 Agitation | 2026 Protest (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Demand | Legally Guaranteed MSP | Opposition to India-US Trade Deal |
| Duration | Over a Year | Ongoing (Target: Aug 29) |
| Scale | Regional/State-led | Multi-state (PB, UP, RJ) |
Currently, the Haryana administration has fortified the border with stone boulders, barbed wire, and anti-riot vehicles. The protesters have indicated they may remain at Khanauri until August 29, pending a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are the farmers blocking NH-52?
The farmers are protesting against a proposed India-US trade deal and are demanding a meeting with the Union Agriculture Minister.
Q2: What are the alternative routes for commuters?
Travelers can use the Sangrur–Sunam–Lehra Gaga–Moonak route or the Patiala–Samana–Kaithal diversion to avoid the blockade.
