The seventh round of negotiations between Punjab’s farmer leaders and Union Ministers ended in yet another deadlock on Wednesday. Despite hours of deliberation, the farmers remained steadfast in their demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met. Even as the meeting in Chandigarh concluded without any breakthrough, tensions escalated at the Punjab-Haryana borders with Punjab Police detaining key farmer leaders en route from Chandigarh to their protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri. The crackdown, which sparked outrage among farmer unions, came amid concerns from the Punjab Government over the economic impact of the ongoing agitation.
The four-hour-long meeting, held at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA) at Chandigarh, saw the participation of key Union Ministers led by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal, and Pralhad Joshi, along with Punjab Cabinet Ministers, including Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. However, the Centre’s delegation failed to provide concrete assurances to the farmer representatives, who reiterated that they would not withdraw their protest until their demands were met.
While Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 114 days now, is likely to be hospitalized at DMC Ludhiana amid concerns over his deteriorating health; other detained leaders, including Pandher, have been taken to Bahadurgarh Fort Commando Police Training Centre in Patiala, which has now been transformed into a makeshift detention centre.
The decision to take stringent action against protesting farmers was reportedly made on Monday night following a high-level meeting between top AAP functionaries and industrialists. Sources indicated that industrialists raised concerns over the financial losses caused by the prolonged agitation, pushing the government to act swiftly.
Combing Operations at Khanauri, Shambhu; Police Dismantles Protest Infrastructure
Massive combing operations started late in the evening at both Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites at Punjab-Haryana border. Amidst heavy security, bulldozer action was being carried out (at the time of filing this report) at both Shambhu and Khanauri to remove the tents and stage set up by the farmers. All the farmers, present at the protest sites, have been asked to either go to their homes and taken into custody.
A large-scale combing operation, led by Sangrur DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu, has been launched at Khanauri border, where police personnel are inspecting tents and detaining farmers found inside. So far, over 200 farmers have been detained from the site.
Simultaneously, police personnel have started dismantling the stage and tent city at Shambhu border also, a move seen as a decisive step to break the protest.
Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Nanak Singh, leading the operation at Shambhu, said that in the presence of district magistrates, the farmers have been removed from protest sites. “There was no resistance and we did not use any force, the farmers cooperated with us and by morning, all the roads, including service roads, will be completely cleared,” added the SSP.
In another aggressive measure, authorities have begun clearing the National Highway at Shambhu border, which had been blocked by farmers since February 13, 2024. The process of removing trollies parked at Khanauri border is also underway.
Since Tuesday, the Punjab Government has mobilized a massive police force at key protest sites. Earlier in the day, SSPs from Sangrur, Barnala, and Malerkotla districts have been dispatched to the Khanauri border to oversee operations. Farmers also started gathering in large numbers at both Khanauri and Shambhu borders apprehending police action.
At Shambhu, the authorities have stationed over 1,000 police personnel, supported by more than 25 ambulances and 50 buses, positioned near Bapror village, just six kms from the protest site.
To manage the situation, two AIGs, four SP-ranked officers, and over a dozen inspectors have been assigned to monitor developments at Shambhu. Farmers, however, remain resolute in their stand, accusing the Punjab government of siding with corporate interests to suppress their movement.
Meanwhile, anticipating potential medical emergencies, Sangrur’s Civil Surgeon has put medical officers in all districts on high alert, with hospitals instructed to prepare for possible cases of injuries or critical health conditions among the detained farmers.
Deadlock in Talks, a Roadblock for Farmers
The meeting, which began at 11 am, revolved around the farmers’ primary demand for a legal guarantee of MSP, debt waivers, and concerns over international trade policies that could impact Indian agriculture. Farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, presented data supporting their demand for MSP legislation, citing reports from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and assured them that the government would hold discussions with all stakeholders before taking a final call on MSP legislation. However, he maintained that such a law could pose challenges. “The meeting was positive and purposeful. We will continue discussions with all stakeholders before taking any decision. The next meeting is scheduled for May 4,” Chouhan said after the talks.
Despite the government’s reassurances, farmer leaders remained unconvinced. “The government claims it wants to continue talks, but it is merely buying time. We have made it clear that the farmers of India need a legal guarantee on MSP, and this movement will not stop until that happens,” said Pandher.
Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar raised concerns about international pressure on India to reduce import duties on agricultural produce. “We made it clear to the Ministers that any decision against the interests of farmers will not be tolerated. India should not bow down to pressure from foreign nations,” he said. Chouhan dismissed the allegations, calling them “rumours” and assuring the farmers that India would not compromise on its agricultural policies.
While the discussion remained largely focused on MSP, the meeting did not yield any tangible results, leaving farmers frustrated. “The government keeps delaying, but we are not leaving without our demands being met,” said Kaka Singh Kotda, a farmer leader.
Crackdown on Farmers as They Return from Talks
Not long after the meeting ended, Punjab Police launched a coordinated crackdown on the farmer leaders returning to their protest sites. Key leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were detained at different locations. Pandher was taken into custody on Mohali’s Airport Road, while Dallewal, who was traveling in an ambulance, was intercepted in Sangrur and detained along with the vehicle.
Other prominent leaders such as Kaka Singh Kotda, Abhimanyu Kohar, Manjeet Rai, and Omkar Singh were also detained. The move sparked outrage among farmer unions, who accused the Punjab Government of betraying their cause.
Punjab Govt Defends Police Action
Defending the police action, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema cited the economic loss suffered by the state due to prolonged border blockades. “Industry in Punjab is suffering because of the protests. We need to revive the state’s economy, and the blockade of these borders is causing major losses to trade and businesses,” he said.
Cheema further linked the action to the state’s anti-drug efforts, stating, “We are committed to eliminating drugs from Punjab, and for that, we need employment opportunities. If industries continue to suffer due to these protests, it will only worsen unemployment and drug addiction in the state.”
However, farmer leaders condemned the government’s stance, stating that their protest was a legitimate struggle for their rights. “Punjab Government is siding with industrialists rather than farmers. The same government that supported our cause earlier is now trying to suppress us. We will not be silenced,” said Pandher.
Punjab-Haryana Borders Turn into Fortresses
Following the detentions, the Punjab and Haryana Governments heightened security at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Over 1,000 police personnel, along with riot-control vehicles, ambulances, and towing tractors, were deployed at key locations, fueling speculations that the authorities might attempt to dismantle the protest sites.
At the Khanauri border, Haryana Police deployed four companies of security personnel. Farmers, in response, began gathering in large numbers at the protest sites, preparing for possible confrontation. At Shambhu, protestors placed tractors and trollies across highways to prevent police from advancing.
“We have been peacefully protesting for over a year, and now the government is trying to crush our movement through force. But we will not back down,” said Kaka Singh Kotda.
Farmer leader Manjit Rai alleged that the government had stationed tractors with towing hooks near police posts, suggesting a planned crackdown on protest sites. “If they think they can clear us out with force, they are mistaken. Farmers from across Punjab are joining us in large numbers, and we will resist any attempt to dismantle our movement,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, internet services were reportedly suspended in several areas around Shambhu and Khanauri since Monday evening, further escalating tensions. Senior police officials maintained that the security build-up was only a precautionary measure. “We have been directed to remain stationed at key points. Our instructions are to maintain law and order,” said a senior police officer deployed at Shambhu.
BOX
AAP Defends Police Action Against Farmers; Opposition Calls It “a Betrayal”
Chandigarh: Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), on Wednesday defended the police action against protesting farmers and the detention of senior farmer leaders at Khanauri and Shambhu borders. The move has sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, who have labeled it a “betrayal of farmers”.
By evening, most of the Cabinet Ministers and senior AAP leaders issued back to back statements defending the government and the police action against the farmers.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also attended the meeting between farmers and the Central Ministers and appealed the farmers to lift the protest, justified the government’s decision stating that the prolonged blockade of Punjab’s borders by agitating farmers has severely impacted the state’s economy. “The state is facing an economic crisis due to the agitation. New investments are not coming, and industries are hesitant to set up operations here. All the farmers’ demands are related to the Central Government, and they should protest in Delhi instead,” said Cheema.
AAP MP Malwinder Kang echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the police action was taken in the “larger interest of Punjab”. Kang highlighted the adverse effects of the protests on tourism and industrial growth, stating, “The agitation has disrupted daily life and deterred tourists and industries from coming to Punjab. None of the farmers’ demands fall under the State Government’s jurisdiction, and they should direct their protests toward the Central Government in Delhi.”
Industries Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, expressing grave concern over the prolonged closure of highways due to farmers' protests, warned of severe economic and social repercussions for the state. Reaffirming AAP Government’s support for farmers, Sondh emphasized the need for a balanced approach to address their demands without crippling Punjab’s economy.
“Highways are the lifelines of our state. Their closure has disrupted trade, tourism, and daily commutes, leading to massive economic losses and unemployment,” said Sondh, highlighting how the blockade has stalled industrial investments, exacerbating joblessness and drug abuse among Punjab’s youth.
Urging farmers to reopen highways, Sondh assured them of the State Government’s unwavering support in their fight for MSP and other demands. “Let’s unite to safeguard Punjab’s interests. Closing highways is not the solution; we must find constructive ways to address our grievances with the central government,” he appealed.
Opposition Condemns Crackdown on Farmers
AAP Government’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Union Minister of State for Railways and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned the police crackdown, while former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi accused the AAP Government of succumbing to pressure from the BJP-led Central Government.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring slammed both the Central and State Governments, calling the arrests a “betrayal of farmers”. He questioned the timing of the crackdown, suggesting it might be an attempt to divert attention from the recent Patiala incident, where 12 Punjab Police officers were involved in the manhandling of a serving colonel.
Senior SAD leader and former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, strongly condemning AAP Government for trying to suppress voice of Punjab farmers, said that he has backstabbed farmers of the country. He cautioned that if anything happened to any farmer, Mann alone would be held responsible for the same. “CM had called a meeting of farmers but backstabbed them by provoking them to do whatever they could…Now he is trying to crush their voice on the lines of Indira Gandhi who had implemented Emergency in the country,” he said.
SKM Slams Punjab Govt
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) — a conglomeration of 30 farmers’ outfits — strongly condemned the arrest of farmer leaders and the deployment of heavy police forces at protest sites. SKM accused the AAP Government of aligning with corporate interests and the RSS-BJP-led Central Government, alleging that the crackdown followed a meeting between AAP leaders and industrialists.
“The government’s actions against peaceful protesters reveal its unwillingness to address the livelihood and survival issues of farmers across India,” SKM stated in a strongly worded statement
