Breaking: Shambhu, Khanauri borders reopen as farmers suspend Delhi march; Govt agrees to two key demands
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh/Shambhu Border, July 21, 2026: The proposed Delhi march by farmers from Punjab and Haryana against the proposed India-US trade deal was suspended on Tuesday after talks with the administration led to an agreement on two key demands, paving the way for the reopening of the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Following the agreement, farmers began returning to their homes after 3 pm, easing tensions at both border points. Authorities also started removing barricades erected by the Punjab and Haryana Police in anticipation of the march.
The reopening of the borders is expected to bring major relief to commuters and transporters who had been facing traffic diversions and congestion over the past few days.
Meanwhile, prominent farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni, who had been detained by the Kurukshetra Police during the protest, was released by the authorities.
After his release, Chaduni said the farmers' movement has always been aimed at protecting farmers' rights and that they would continue to raise their voice through peaceful means.
According to farmer leaders and official sources, the administration accepted two key demands during the negotiations. It agreed to release all farmer leaders and workers detained during the protests with immediate effect. The administration also assured farmer representatives that their concerns over the likely impact of the proposed India-US trade agreement on the agriculture sector would be taken up with the Central Government at the highest level.
As part of the understanding, farmer organisations agreed not to gather in large numbers or hold protests at border points or other public places until July 27.
Officials said the arrangement was aimed at maintaining law and order while ensuring that the public does not face inconvenience.
Why farmers opposed the India-US trade deal
Farmer unions have expressed concern that the proposed trade agreement could allow imported agricultural and dairy products from the United States to enter the Indian market at lower tariffs, adversely affecting Indian farmers and dairy producers.
They argue that such a deal could weaken the country's agricultural economy and hurt the livelihoods of farmers.
With the suspension of the protest and reopening of the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, the situation has returned to normal for now. Farmer organisations are expected to hold meetings in the coming days to decide their future course of action.
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