&nbsp;Punjab Police carried out a large-scale operation on Wednesday &nbsp;to clear the protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, dismantling temporary structures, removing barricades, and towing away vehicles that had obstructed two crucial state highways for over a year. At least 300 farmers and leaders are deained by the Police.
The early morning operation saw a heavy police presence as authorities moved in to reclaim the blocked roads. Farmers had been protesting at these sites since February last year, demanding the implementation of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops. Despite repeated negotiations with the central government, a resolution remained elusive.
Police Action and Highway Reopening
Officials stated that the highways would be reopened soon after clearing the remaining obstructions. &ldquo;The highways are critical for trade and commerce. Removing these blockades was necessary to ensure economic activities resume smoothly,&rdquo; said a senior Punjab police officer at the site.
The police also confirmed that several farmer leaders, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were detained in Mohali as they attempted to reach the Shambhu protest site after holding discussions with a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Government Justifies Eviction
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the government&rsquo;s action, citing the prolonged economic distress caused by the blocked highways. &ldquo;Industries and businesses have suffered heavy losses over the past year due to these disruptions. We are committed to providing employment to the youth, and for that, industries must function without hurdles,&rdquo; Cheema stated.
Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu criticized the AAP-led Punjab government for the detention of farmer leaders, calling it an attempt to &ldquo;sabotage&rdquo; the ongoing negotiations between farmers and the Centre.
Farmers Stand Firm Amidst Crackdown
Despite the police crackdown, farmers remain steadfast in their demands. The protests, spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, began on February 13, 2023, after authorities blocked their planned march to Delhi. Over the past year, protestors have continued to push for a legally guaranteed MSP, among other demands.
The latest discussions between farmer representatives and the central government, held in Chandigarh on Wednesday, concluded without any resolution. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that while talks were conducted in a &ldquo;cordial and constructive manner,&rdquo; no breakthrough was achieved. &ldquo;Discussions will continue, and the next meeting is scheduled for May 4,&rdquo; he said.
With the protest sites now cleared, all eyes are on the next phase of negotiations and whether the government and farmers can reach a compromise. However, tensions remain high as farmer unions condemn the police action and call for renewed agitation if their demands are not met.

Punjab Police clearing farmers protest site

Authorities remove barricades at Shambhu, Khanauri; farmer leaders detained amid ongoing talks

Punjab Police Clears Farmer Protest Sites on Highways

Authorities remove barricades at Shambhu, Khanauri; farmer leaders detained amid ongoing talks

March 20, 2025 | 07:24 IST