Shambhu, Khanauri protest sites cleared in crackdown.
Punjab police detained several farmer union leaders just minutes after their discussions with the central government delegation. The crackdown followed the clearance of protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri, where farmers had been demonstrating for months. The sudden detentions sparked outrage among protestors, raising concerns over the government’s handling of negotiations. Farmer groups have vowed to continue their movement despite increasing pressure from authorities.
Shambhu, Khanauri Protest Sites Cleared in Crackdown on Farmers
Apprehend and disperse those gathered at the Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites on the Punjab-Haryana border.
The swift crackdown has sparked widespread outrage among farmers and their supporters, raising concerns over the government’s approach to handling the protests.
Detention of Farmer Leaders
The sudden police action left many protesters scrambling to protect their belongings, with some reportedly sustaining minor injuries in the scuffle.
Dallewal was inside an ambulance, which the police took away after a minor confrontation with his supporters. His condition remains uncertain, as he was shifted to Patiala in the ambulance. Sources indicate that he might be moved to a hospital in Ludhiana for medical attention.
Other leaders, including Kaka Singh Kotra, PT John, Abhimanyu Kohar, Sukhwinder Kaur, Onkar Bhangala, Dilbagh Singh Harigarh, Dilbagh Singh Gill, Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, Inderjit Singh Kotbudda, and Jarnail Singh Chahal, were taken to Bahadurgarh. Sources claim that police teams had been tracking the union leaders as soon as they exited the meeting venue in Chandigarh, preparing for the detentions in advance.
Government’s Justification for Crackdown
Responding to the crackdown, Punjab Industry Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that the ongoing highway blockades had caused massive financial losses to the state.
The Punjab government has found itself in a delicate position, balancing its historically strong ties with the farming community and the economic impact of prolonged protests. According to official estimates, industries in Punjab have suffered production and supply chain disruptions due to blocked highways, leading to financial losses running into crores.
Farmer Unions Condemn Action
Farmer unions and opposition leaders have strongly condemned the crackdown, calling it an undemocratic attempt to silence peaceful protests. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) released a statement criticizing the government’s decision to forcibly remove protesters while negotiations were still ongoing. “This is a clear betrayal. The government pretends to talk, but in reality, it is working against the farmers’ interests,” a BKU spokesperson said.
Opposition leaders, including senior members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, have accused the Punjab government of colluding with the Centre to suppress the farmers’ movement. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi called the crackdown “a disgrace” and demanded the immediate release of all detained leaders.
Public Reaction and Future of the Protest
The crackdown has triggered widespread anger among farmers, with calls for intensified protests across Punjab. Farmer leaders have vowed to regroup and continue their agitation despite the detentions. “We will not be intimidated. The struggle for farmers’ rights will continue, and we will decide our next course of action soon,” a farmer leader declared in a video message circulated on social media.
Several farmer organizations have announced plans for state-wide demonstrations in response to the detentions, with reports suggesting that farmers in other states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, may join in solidarity. The protests are likely to intensify in the coming days as anger over the government’s actions spreads.
What’s Next?
The current situation remains tense, with the possibility of further clashes between protesters and law enforcement. As the farmers’ movement gains renewed momentum following the detentions, the Punjab government will likely face increased scrutiny over its handling of the situation.
With no resolution in sight, the farmers’ agitation appears set to continue, keeping the issue at the forefront of national discourse. Whether the central government will re-engage with farmer leaders in meaningful negotiations remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain—the farmers’ determination to fight for their rights remains unshaken.