Unexpected action by police at Shambhu border; farmers evacuated; Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Panthar in custody

NEW DELHI: Police action against farmers protesting on the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Panthar, who were on an indefinite hunger strike, were taken into custody. The Punjab Police also demolished the tents set up by the farmers. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab responded by saying that the action was part of opening the Shambhu-Khanauri borders for traffic.

The agitation began on February 13, 2024, at the Shambhu-Khanauri borders, raising various demands, including legislation to ensure minimum support prices for agricultural crops and waiver of farm loans. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the region has been closed for more than a year. "Traders and people are upset. The state government is with the farmers. Their protest is against the Centre. Therefore, farmers should protest in Delhi. Blocking roads in Punjab cannot be allowed," the minister added. The Congress accused the Centre and the Punjab government of trying to isolate farmers.

Meanwhile, the seventh round of talks between Union ministers and farmer leaders in Chandigarh also ended without a decision. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the talks will continue on May 4.