Chandigarh: Following a call given by Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) to swarm into Punjab and begin construction of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, security has been beefed up by both Punjab and Haryana at the Shambhu Border which demarcates the two states.
The Punjab government has locked itself into a position that is against the construction of the canal saying it does not have enough water to share with Haryana.
The Supreme Court has said Punjab is bound by orders to construct the canal and has given the state one last chance to exhibit its inability to construct the canal.
Punjab, in 2004, had passed a law terminating agreements for sharing of river waters with Haryana. The Supreme Court has directed the states to maintain law and order.
Vehicles going from Delhi to Punjab will be diverted to Chandigarh from Ambala for their onward journey into Punjab and similarly vehicles going from Punjab to Delhi will be diverted at Khanna and Doraha towards Chandigarh for onward journey to Delhi.
Section 144 CrPC has been imposed all along the Shambhu border.
A 24-Km stretch of Ambala district in Haryana that borders Patiala district in Punjab will remain sealed for a period of 8 hours to prevent INLD workers from trying to cross over into Punjab .
Checkpoints have been established at 10 locations along this stretch.
Both the governments, Punjab and Haryana, are under clear instructions from the Supreme court to maintain the status quo position on the SYL canal.
Obliged to carry out the orders, the states have deployed heavy police presence to ensure compliance with court orders.
The issue assumes huge political significance for parties in both states as the Shiromani Akali Dal made it a major campaign issue that they would not allow any water to enter Haryana.
INLD likewise has said they would ensure water for
Haryana. Treading a middle path, the BJP in Haryana says what the INLD is doing is a gimmick and they will return empty- handed. The Congress in Punjab has also taken a stand against sharing of Punjab's water with Haryana.
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