Punjab law enforcement breaks up Shambhu, Khanauri protests, takes farmers’ leaders into custody

According to police reports, Punjab Police dismantled obstacles at Shambhu and Khanauri borders on Wednesday thus clearing the roads that had remained obstructed for more than twelve months. The authorities plan to quickly open the two highways following structure disassembly and removal of blockade vehicles that protesters placed since their February 2020 demonstrations.

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The media reported through Farmer leader Guramneet Singh Mangat that Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal alongside other farmer leaders received detention in Mohali after meeting the central delegation led by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He stated the prolonged blockage of the two highways caused major business and industrial losses so the government evicted farmers from their protest sites. The necessary highways for the state economy remained blocked for more than one year according to the official statement.

Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu

The AAP maintains its dedication to youth employment and industries will maintain optimal operation when trade and business activities continue without interruptions according to Cheema. Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the detention of farmer leaders by accusing the Punjab AAP government of attempting to disrupt farmer-Centre dialogue.

Public authorities took action during intensifying industrial problems

Rising industrial complaints from Punjab entrepreneurs led to the police action. At the beginning of the day law enforcement presence became apparent through robust police presence at the two protest sites. The farmer leaders held discussions with central delegation members at Chandigarh when these events occurred. Farmers who protest under the leadership of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have maintained a protest position at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) areas since February 13 of the previous year when security forces stopped their march toward Delhi.

Minimum Support Price (MSP)

The farmers present their demands mainly through an insistence on legal protection for Minimum Support Price (MSP) which should be paid for all crops. The farmer leaders from Chandigarh conducted talks with central representatives to address multiple farmer demands yet they failed to reach any agreement. Shivraj Singh Chouhan who served as the Agriculture Minister declared that the meeting spanned more than three hours in a friendly manner. These talks developed in a positive manner while maintaining constructive methods. The talks will continue. The following gathering will occur on May 4 according to the current dates.