Daijiworld Media Network- Chandigarh
Chandigarh, May 6: A wave of unrest swept through Punjab on Tuesday as farmers, enraged over their recent eviction from protest sites, launched a determined march to surround the Shambhu police station in Sangrur district. The protest, marked by high-security deployment, follows months of unresolved tensions between the farming community and the central government.
The agitation stems from the farmers’ forced removal from the Shambhu and Khanauri border points—epicentres of the long-running protest demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops. Leaders of the movement, many affiliated with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Bharat), were detained shortly after unsuccessful talks with a central delegation in Chandigarh in March.
The protest intensified after the reopening of the Shambhu national highway on March 19, which had remained closed for over 13 months due to the farmer agitation. Ahead of Tuesday’s march, Punjab Police preemptively detained several key leaders, including SKM (Non-Political) stalwart Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
Farmer groups have lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, accusing it of adopting repressive tactics reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. They allege widespread looting during the police crackdown, claiming that many stolen items were later found in the possession of individuals linked to AAP leaders and police personnel.
The farmers have also demanded a thorough investigation and compensation for their losses.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly condemned the protest strategy, particularly the threat of rail and road blockades. In a statement, he warned of stern legal action against those disrupting public order, stressing that such actions would be deemed detrimental to the state’s welfare.
“Blocking transportation routes not only affects emergency services but also hampers the ongoing wheat procurement process. We will not tolerate any attempt to stall Punjab’s development,” Mann asserted, urging citizens to reject disruption in favour of constructive dialogue.
As the situation unfolds, the state watches closely, with farmers determined to continue their agitation until their voices are heard and demands addressed.