Punjab Police Clears Farmer Protest Sites, Detains Key Leaders

Shambhu and Khanauri borders reopened after over a year of protests as talks with the central government remain unresolved.

Punjab Police dismantled protest sites at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, removing temporary structures and reopening highways closed for over a year.
Key farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, were detained in Mohali after attending inconclusive talks with central government officials.
The Punjab government justified the action, citing economic disruptions caused by prolonged highway closures and urging farmers to redirect protests to Delhi.
Opposition leaders and farm unions condemned the crackdown, accusing the Punjab government of betraying farmers and cooperating with the central government to suppress dissent.
Farmers have been protesting since February 2024 for demands including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, and compensation for families of deceased farmers.