Tensions escalated in Punjab on Monday as the police detained several farmers heading towards Shambhu police station, where farmer unions had planned a protest. The authorities imposed strict security measures, including multiple checkpoints and roadblocks, to prevent the gherao.
In Rajpura, 18 farmers were detained during a blockade on the Amritsar-Delhi National Highway. The operation, led by Gurmeet Singh, in-charge of the Sadar police station, saw prominent union leaders like Harjit Singh, unit head of Khojepur (Bharatiya Kisan Union - Sidhupur), among those taken into custody. The detainees were taken to the city police station.
“No one is being allowed to reach the Shambhu police station. Around 18 farmers have been detained and sent to the city police station,” said Gurmeet Singh. “Vehicle inspections, including buses and cars, have been ongoing since morning.”
Harjit Singh condemned the police action, stating, “Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has crossed all limits. Today, we were marching toward Shambhu police station for a peaceful protest, but the police detained us and politicised the situation. The Punjab Government has completely crossed all democratic boundaries."
Earlier, massive police deployment was observed at the Rajpura entry point on the national highway, with trucks loaded with soil positioned to block roads. The authorities are checking all vehicles entering the area to thwart the farmers' march.
The police also stopped the protesting farmers on the Muktsar-Bathinda road and detained them. Several farmer leaders in Muktsar had already been placed under house arrest.
The Punjab Police arrested Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee state general secretary Rana Ranbir Singh Thatta and Dharamkot zone president Gurmel Singh Talwandi Mallian from Ajitwal in Moga district.
The crackdown comes in the backdrop of continued farmer agitation and tensions between the unions and the Punjab government over long-standing demands.
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