Farm Leaders Detained in Punjab’s Mohali, Police Clear Shambhu Border

Tensions escalated in Punjab as police detained several farm leaders in Mohali while simultaneously clearing protest sites at the Shambhu border. The crackdown comes amid ongoing farmer protests demanding legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other agricultural reforms.

Detentions in Mohali

In a preemptive move, Punjab Police detained several key farm leaders in Mohali, citing concerns over law and order. The detentions sparked outrage among protestors, who accused authorities of suppressing their democratic right to protest. Police officials, however, defended the action, stating that it was necessary to prevent disruptions and maintain public safety.

Shambhu Border Cleared

Meanwhile, security forces dismantled protest camps at the Shambhu border, a crucial site where farmers had been staging sit-ins for weeks. Heavy police deployment, barricades, and drone surveillance were used to disperse the crowd. Reports indicate that mild force was used to remove protestors who resisted the eviction.

Farmer Demands and Government Stance

The protesting farmers are demanding:

• A legal guarantee for MSP on all crops.
• Loan waivers and relief for debt-ridden farmers.
• Withdrawal of legal cases filed against protestors in previous agitations.
• Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

The central government, however, maintains that it is open to discussions but insists on addressing issues within the existing framework. Officials argue that an MSP law could disrupt market dynamics and place financial burdens on the government.

Political Reactions and Public Response

The detentions and eviction have drawn strong reactions from opposition parties and farm unions. Several political leaders condemned the government’s actions, calling them undemocratic and an attempt to silence dissent. Social media has also been abuzz with support for the farmers, with hashtags trending in favor of their cause.

What’s Next?

With farm unions vowing to intensify their movement, the situation remains volatile. More protests and sit-ins are expected in the coming days, with calls for a nationwide bandh if demands are not met. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future course of the ongoing farmer agitation.