Tensions Rise Ahead of Farmers’ Protest as Police Detain Leaders, Seal Roads
Police remained on high alert across Punjab on Monday following reports that members of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) were making their way to the Shambhu police station a day before their scheduled protest.
Authorities responded swiftly in the early hours with what they termed “routine law and order measures,” but the actions included detaining key farmer leaders at their homes and setting up intensive police checkpoints (nakas) on major highways and link roads.
In Malerkotla, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special) confirmed that nakas had been set up on major routes including Ludhiana-Malerkotla, Malerkotla-Khanna, Ahmedgarh-Raikot, and Kup-Payal roads. Prominent SKM (Non-Political) leader Jagjit Dallewal was placed under house arrest around 4 a.m., a development he publicly confirmed in a video posted on social media.
The protest, originally announced for Tuesday by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Bharat) and SKM (Non-Political), is aimed at opposing what they describe as repressive tactics used by the government during the recent farmer agitation. Protesters are also demanding action against officials responsible for the alleged mistreatment of farmers.
However, many leaders were caught off guard Monday morning when police began sealing roads leading to their homes. Though no official announcement of detentions was made by the authorities, sources indicated that at least six prominent farmer leaders were effectively confined to their homes.
The preemptive police crackdown has further heightened tensions, with critics claiming it undermines the farmers’ right to protest and raises questions about democratic freedoms.
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