Protesting farmers evicted, their camps at Shambhu, Khanauri borders dismantled
What's the story
In a major development, Punjab Police have removed temporary structures and detained some farmer leaders protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border. The action took place at Shambhu and Khanauri border points, which had been shut for over a year amid continuing protests. Police action was preceded by heavy deployment of security, including ambulances, buses, firefighting vehicles, and anti-riot equipment at protest sites.
Detentions
Farmer leaders detained during police operation
Many farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were detained in Mohali while on their way back from meeting a central delegation. Other detained leaders included Abhimanyu Kohar, Kaka Singh Kotra, and Manjit Singh Rai. The police action was conducted peacefully in the presence of duty magistrates after due warning. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh said farmers wanting to go home have been facilitated, adding the road would be as clean as if there had been no 'dharna.'
Government response
Punjab government defends police action, farmers express betrayal
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the police action, saying economic losses from prolonged highway blockades had made measures necessary. He said industries and businesses have been dealt severe blows due to the closure of these two highways. Cheema reiterated that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers are working hard to present farmers' concerns before the central government. However, evicted protesting farmers accused the state government of betrayal and misleading them into ending the hunger strike by promising talks.
Twitter Post
Will hold protests outside the offices of deputy commissioners: Farmers
#WATCH | Taran Taran, Punjab | After protesting farmers removed from Shambhu and Khanauri borders, Satnam Singh Pannu of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee says, "We condemn the action against farmers by the Bhagwant Mann government in collaboration with or on the orders of the… pic.twitter.com/ZAzRMl7Xoj
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025
Opposition reaction
Opposition parties condemn police action against farmers
Opposition parties have denounced the police action. Congress MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused the Centre and the Punjab government of conspiring against farmers. Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal said CM Bhagwant Mann had "lost his mental balance." She said Mann had promised to fulfill farmers' demands during elections, but is now deceiving them. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also condemned the police action.