Farmers and central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a metting in Chandigarh after this farmers were detained from Mohali after a clash with the security forces. Farmers were going back to join the ongoing farmr’s protest at the Shmabu and Khanauri borders. Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal also included in detained farmers.
Police also removed and dismantled the temporary structures they recited. Farmers were camping there since they have been stopped there from going to Delhi.
“Farmers had been protesting at Shambhu Border for a long time. Today, in the presence of Duty Magistrates, Police cleared the area after they were given proper warning,” said Nanak Singh, a senior police officer of Patiala.
A few people showed a willingness to go home. So, they were sent home on a bus. In addition, the structures and vehicles here are being moved. The entire road will be cleared and opened for traffic. Haryana Police will also begin their action. Once it opens from their side, the movement on highway will resume. We did not need to use any force because there was no resistance. Farmers cooperated well and they sat in buses by themselves,” he added.
“We want to open Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The demands of the farmers are against the central government and they should stage a protest in Delhi or somewhere else but should not block the roads of Punjab,” Harpal Cheema said.
Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi dubbed today’s detention an “attack” on the farm sector.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema also strongly condemned it, calling it a “highly undemocratic and illogical action that amounts to betrayal of the farm leaders”.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must explain what happened after the meeting and who gave orders to arrest the leaders on way back, he said.
“It has exposed that Union government and the Bhagwant Mann government are hand-in-glove with each other. The SAD demanded immediate release of all farm leaders without delay,” Mr Cheema said.