Tension gripped the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Friday when farmers linked to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) tried to march towards Raj Bhawan to protest against the Centre’s “anti-Punjab policies” and pending farm-related demands.
A large number of farmers belonging to 32 unions assembled near Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali and began moving towards Chandigarh to register their protest before Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The Chandigarh Police stopped them at border barricades, which led to clashes between protesters and security personnel.
Police used lathi-charge, water cannons and tear gas after protesters allegedly tried to cross barricades placed at multiple entry points into Chandigarh. Scenes turned tense as farmers climbed the barricades and raised slogans of “Bole So Nihal.” The crowd continued to move ahead despite repeated appeals from the police to stop.
During the clash, several farmers reportedly suffered minor injuries, while some police personnel were also hurt in the scuffle. Videos from the protest showed turbans falling off during the pushing and shoving between farmers and police.
To stop the protesters from entering the Union Territory, Chandigarh Police sealed all entry points bordering Punjab and tightened security at sensitive locations. Senior officers, including the SSP, remained on the spot to closely monitor the situation.
Traffic movement was disrupted due to the protest, prompting authorities to divert vehicles on routes leading to Chandigarh, especially near the Punjab School Education Board road and the Matour barrier area. Police, however, said traffic flow remained normal on most other roads.
Traffic movement was affected due to the protest, with authorities diverting vehicles on roads leading towards Chandigarh, especially near the Punjab School Education Board road and the Matour barrier area. Police said traffic remained largely normal on other routes.
The protesters raised multiple demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, reinstatement of cancelled cooperative loan limits, and sufficient electricity and canal water supply during the paddy season.
The farmers also sought the withdrawal of the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 and the Seed Act 2025. The unions further raised the issue of fair river water distribution based on the riparian principle and demanded the repeal of certain provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act. Farmer leaders said the protest would continue until the Centre addresses their long-pending demands.
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