Punjab Police have begun dismantling structures and removing vehicles stationed by protesting farmers at two major highways, paving the way for their reopening. The action follows over a year-long blockade by farmers protesting for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands.
Police Action & Farmer Leaders’ Detention
- Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal were detained in Mohali while heading toward the Shambhu protest site after a meeting with the Centre’s delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- Heavy police deployment was observed at protest sites in Shambhu (Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind border), signaling a potential crackdown.
Government Justification & Political Reactions
- Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the move, citing economic losses due to highway blockades.
- He emphasized that industries and businesses suffered for over a year, affecting trade, employment, and investment in Punjab.
- BJP leader and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned the detentions, accusing the AAP government of attempting to “sabotage” talks between the Centre and farmers.
Farmers’ Demands & Unresolved Talks
- The protests, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began on February 13, 2024, after security forces blocked their march to Delhi.
- Their key demand remains a legal guarantee on MSP, among other issues.
- Meeting between farmer leaders and the Centre in Chandigarh ended without resolution after three hours of talks.
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that discussions were “positive and constructive”, and the next round of talks is scheduled for May 4.
With highways being cleared and negotiations ongoing, the farmer protests remain a major issue in Punjab’s political and economic landscape. 🚜
