Police Raid in Muktsar Sahib, Farmer Leaders Arrested: Punjab Police arrested three leaders of the Kirti Kisan Union ahead of a planned farmers' protest in Chandigarh. Farmers have vowed to continue their agitation.
Police Raid on Farmers: Tension is rising over the farmers' movement in Punjab. Farmer organizations were preparing for a protest in Chandigarh starting March 5th, but Punjab Police preemptively raided the homes of several farmer leaders, arresting them. Farmers are protesting this action and leveling serious accusations against the government.
Nighttime Raids on Farmer Leaders' Homes
Ahead of the planned farmers' protest in Chandigarh, police conducted nighttime raids on the homes of several farmer leaders in Muktsar Sahib district. These raids took place between 1:30 AM and 3:00 AM, resulting in the arrest of Kirti Kisan Union leaders Jagmeet Singh, Jagrup Singh, and Jaspreet Singh. Reports suggest that many other farmer leaders went underground to avoid arrest.
Farmer Leaders Under Surveillance
Police also visited the homes of several farmers, including Bittu Mallan, the district leader of BKU Ugrahan, and Gurvgat Bhailaiyan, intending to place them under surveillance. However, the farmer leaders had left their homes before the police arrived. Police questioned and warned their family members. In response, the farmer leaders stated that their movement would not cease, regardless of government efforts.
Farmers' Warning – Release Our Leaders Immediately
Farmers warned the government to release their leaders immediately or face a larger-scale protest. They allege that the central government, and now the Punjab government, are attempting to suppress their movement. Farmer organizations have clearly stated that if the government resorts to repressive tactics, they will escalate their protests.
Failed Meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
A meeting between farmer organizations and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took place on Monday, but it yielded no results. During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the farmers to reconsider their plans for a Chandigarh protest, citing potential inconvenience to the public and damage to the state's investments. In response, the farmer organizations reiterated their commitment to continuing their struggle for their demands.
"No Demands Will Be Met if Protests Continue" – CM Mann
During the meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sternly stated that no demands would be met if the farmers continued their protest. The meeting subsequently ended abruptly. Following the meeting, farmers announced a seven-day protest in Chandigarh starting March 5th. They indicated that the protest may continue indefinitely if their demands are not met.
