Punjab Police have detained farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher in Mohali. A confrontation ensued as farmers attempted to march toward the Khanauri and Shambu border points, where they have been protesting since February 13, 2023. Reportedly, about 3,000 police personnel have been deployed at both locations.
At the Khanauri border, 200 farmers have been detained, while approximately 300 remain at the Shambu border, expected to be taken into custody soon. Following clashes between farmers and police, internet services in Sangrur and Patiala districts, as well as other parts of Punjab, have been suspended.
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- Punjab Police dismantled tents set up by farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambu Border, where they were sitting on a strike over various demands. Farmers are also being evicted from this border.
- Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi stated, "Farmers are being attacked under a conspiracy. Not just Punjab but the entire farmer community is facing a major assault today. A meeting today (in Chandigarh) decided that the next round of talks will be on May 4, but they (farmers) were attacked from behind and deceived. The roads are blocked by the government, not the farmers. They (farmers) want to come to Delhi."
- On the action at Patiala, SSP Nanak Singh explained that farmers had been protesting at the Shambu Border for an extended period. In the presence of the duty magistrate, police cleared the area after giving proper warnings. Some expressed a desire to return home, so arrangements were made to transport them back.
- The SSP added that structures and vehicles are being removed, and the road is being cleared for traffic. Haryana Police is poised to begin their operations as well. Traffic on the highway will resume as soon as the path is opened. There was no need for force, as there were no objections. Farmers cooperated well and willingly boarded the buses.
Source: aajtak
- Following detentions, more farmers have started gathering at the borders. Farmer organizations have urged large numbers to converge at Khanauri Border, raising slogans against the Punjab Government.
- Police have dismantled fans from a temporary stage set by farmers as part of their sit-in protest over various demands.
- Sarwan Singh Pandher and all farmer leaders have been brought to the Bahadurgarh Commando Training Center.
- Many prominent farmer leaders have been detained by Punjab Police.
- Farmers have been protesting at these borders for about a month and a half.
No Resolution in Seventh Meeting
In Chandigarh, a meeting between farmer leaders and central delegates ended without a firm resolution. The meeting, which lasted over three hours, saw Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan emphasizing the primacy of farmers' concerns. Described as positive and constructive, the next meeting has been scheduled for May 4. Following the session, as farmer leaders travelled from Chandigarh to Mohali, police erected heavy barricades to prevent their advance.
During this time, Sarwan Singh Pandher, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Singh Kotra, and Manjit Singh Rai were detained. Heavy security has been deployed at the Shambu and Khanauri border points. The government plans to clear these borders, leading to this action. These leaders have persistently fought for farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other concerns.
