On March 19, the Punjab government unexpectedly took a stern stance against the farmers. At the Shambhu-Khanouri border, where the protest had been ongoing for over a year, Punjab police unleashed bulldozers to dismantle the farmers' settlements. This action came after a seventh round of talks in Chandigarh between the central government, Punjab government, and farmer organizations. The police's actions further inflamed the farmers.
According to Gurdeep Singh, spokesperson for SKM (non-political), farmer leaders including Jagjit Dallewal commenced a hunger strike while in police custody.
Internet Services Suspended
In response to the ongoing protests, internet services have been suspended in Sangrur, and from Wednesday evening, services are also halted in Patiala and surrounding areas until further notice.
Source: aajtak
Jagjit Dallewal was initially taken to the PWD rest house in Jalandhar Cantt and then to PIMS Jalandhar, where he refused admission and remained in the police vehicle under tight security. Authorities are deliberately keeping his location secret to thwart farmer mobilization.
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The nine-member SKM committee is set to meet in the afternoon to discuss their strategy, whereas national leaders like Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, and Harinder Singh Lakhowal plan their next steps in a meeting on Thursday. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has called for unity among farmer associations nationwide, warning that the government will continue suppressing protests for corporate benefit.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, Haryana Police has issued instructions to farmer leaders Jasmith Singh and Tejbeer Singh to appear before the SIT regarding last year's registered case, with a warning of legal consequences for non-compliance.
Source: aajtak
Bulldozer Action on Farmers' Camps, Over 700 Detained
Bulldozers were used to dismantle farmers' sheds in Punjab. Initially, farmer leaders Sarwan Pandher and Jagjit Dallewal were detained by police. Subsequently, Punjab Police cleared the Shambhu and Khanouri borders. The operation by Punjab Police lasted several hours, resulting in the detention of over 700 farmers. Later that night, the removal of cement barricades from Haryana side commenced, as Haryana Police used bulldozers to remove concrete barricades at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border to restrict farmers' movements.
