Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Government Cracks Down on Farmer Protestors

Tensions in Punjab have intensified as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and farmer unions face off ahead of the 'Chandigarh Chalo' protest organized by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on March 5. The political standoff deepened after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann walked out of a meeting with SKM leaders on Monday, followed by Punjab Police detaining several farmer leaders in midnight raids.

Tensions Escalate Ahead of 'Chandigarh Chalo' as Police Conduct Midnight Raids on Farmer Leaders

Confirming his abrupt departure from the meeting, Mann stated that he walked out when the SKM leaders refused to call off their planned protests. He defended the detentions, asserting that his government would not allow road and railway blockades that cause economic damage to the state.

Punjab on Edge as AAP Government Cracks Down on Farmer Protestors

"I told farmers that every day they hold 'rail roko' and 'sadak roko' protests, which are causing immense losses to Punjab. The state cannot be held to ransom," Mann told reporters, adding that Punjab is becoming a "state of dharnas." He emphasized that his administration's patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

Hours after the meeting, Punjab Police conducted late-night raids on farmer leaders' homes. Krantikari Kisan Union general secretary Gurmeet Singh Mehma alleged in a viral video that he was detained from his Ferozepur residence as part of preventive arrests. Similarly, BKU (Rajewal) vice president Mukesh Chander Sharma claimed that his house was raided at 4 a.m.

The crackdown has forced several farmer leaders into hiding, drawing sharp criticism from farm unions. Meanwhile, AAP spokesperson Malwinder Kang defended the Chief Minister, stating that Mann patiently listened to the farmers' concerns before leaving for a pre-scheduled doctor’s appointment.

With just a day left before the scheduled protest, Punjab remains on high alert as farmer unions prepare to move forward with their demonstrations despite government resistance.