On March 19, the Punjab government abruptly demonstrated a stern stance against the farmers. At the Shambhu-Khanauri border, where a protest had persisted for over a year, the Punjab Police intervened decisively, using bulldozers to dismantle the farmers' encampments. This surprising move occurred shortly after the seventh round of talks took place in Chandigarh between the central government, Punjab authorities, and farmers' unions. Immediately afterwards, Punjab Police detained prominent farmer leaders such as Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Sarvan Singh Pandher, Abhimanyu Kohar, and Kaka Singh Kotda. Fasting farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal was transported from the protest site to Jalandhar hospital for medical attention.
Swift Action Following Government-Farmer Dialogues
Source: aajtak
Initially, it was agreed that the next round of discussions would be held on May 4. However, the Punjab government preemptively undertook significant action by detaining leading farmer figures and clearing the protest sites. The long-closed Shambhu-Haryana border was subsequently reopened, and the protestors were cleared.
Bulldozers Over Farmers’ Shelters, Over 700 Detained
Source: aajtak
Utilizing bulldozers, the Punjab government dismantled farmers’ makeshift shelters. Initially, Sarvan Pandher and Jagjit Dallewal were taken into custody, prompting police clearance of the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Following the prolonged police operation, which resulted in over 700 arrests, efforts commenced to dismantle the concrete barricades on the Haryana side. Haryana Police also deployed bulldozers to remove concrete barriers erected to inhibit farmers' movement at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border.
Multiple Bulldozers and Haryana's Involvement in Action
Source: aajtak
The Mann government’s active stance a year later brought multiple bulldozers to dismantle temporary tent encampments across two borders. The bulldozers operated extensively over several hours, catching the farmers off guard as they were not notified or warned beforehand, leading to an unexpected expulsion from both Shambhu and Khanauri borders by Punjab Police.
Police Encounter While Apprehending Dallewal...
Source: aajtak
Attempting to detain Jagjit Singh Dallewal sparked a clash between Punjab Police and farmers. Despite their vigorous resistance, police eventually took Dallewal into custody, removing him from the site. A surprise operation also took place at Khanauri border, where, under the cover of night, police successfully removed each protestor. Unlike Shambhu, there was less resistance at Khanauri where four thousand police personnel were deployed to ensure order.
Source: aajtak
Why Did the Government Act Swiftly?
For the upcoming two to three days, police presence will be sustained. Upset farmers blocked the Delhi-Amritsar highway at the toll plaza. Sarvan Singh Pandher and other leaders were transported to the commando training center in Bahadurgarh. Accusations have arisen suggesting that Punjab Police acted upon business interests to reopen the highway. Political parties have collectively criticized the AAP government, with the BJP alleging pre-emptive action to thwart successful negotiations with the central government. AAP contended that the obstruction of the highway hinders the state’s progress.
