Sarwan Singh Pandher and Abhimanyu Kohar&nbsp;were among the detained farmer leaders released from detention on Friday, Punjab police said, even as protests against the state&rsquo;s handling of the agitation&nbsp;continue to escalate. Farmer unions have rejected government talks and announced fresh demonstrations at district headquarters across Punjab.
Pandher, convenor of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), was released from Muktsar Sahib prison early Friday. &ldquo;I am going to Patiala, where I will talk to my fellow farmers. We strongly condemn the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government&rsquo;s removal of our protest from Khanauri and Shambhu borders. Today, we will discuss the next programme,&rdquo; he said in a self-made video.
Inspector General of Police, Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill said the government has now released approximately 800 farmers from police custody. He said Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had directed the immediate release of farmers, including women, people with disabilities, those with medical conditions, and those above the age of 60.
Farmers&rsquo; leaders, including Pandher and Kohar, were detained after a meeting with Union Ministers in Chandigarh on March 19. Following the crackdown, Punjab Police dismantled year-long protest camps at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, leading to widespread discontent among farmer unions.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), remains on a fast-unto-death since March 19, with reports indicating his condition is critical. &ldquo;Dallewal has not taken even a drop of water. He is unable to speak,&rdquo; Kohar said.
Meanwhile, farmer unions have announced fresh protests at Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across Punjab on March 28, rejecting a meeting invitation from the Punjab government. &ldquo;The government&rsquo;s repression will not silence us. We will continue our struggle,&rdquo; said farmer leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal.
As the situation unfolds, security has been heightened across major cities, with authorities bracing for intensified demonstrations.
(With agency input)

The released leaders met Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been a fast-unto-death since March 19, on Friday

Unions have announced fresh protests at Deputy Commissioner offices across Punjab, rejecting a meeting invitation from the state government

Punjab Farmers Freed, Leaders Plan Fresh Stir

Unions have announced fresh protests at Deputy Commissioner offices across Punjab, rejecting a meeting invitation from the state government

March 28, 2025 | 10:51 IST