Chandigarh, March 20, 2025 — Security measures were intensified at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border after Punjab Police cleared barricades and evicted farmers protesting at the site on Thursday morning. The police used bulldozers to remove concrete barricades that had been erected to prevent the movement of protesting farmers. The eviction followed a late-evening operation on Wednesday, during which temporary structures, stages, and trolleys placed by farmers at the protest sites were dismantled.

The clearance operation aimed to open the entire road for regular traffic movement, ensuring that public transport and goods movement can resume unhindered. Speaking about the action, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh of Patiala stated that the police acted with caution and avoided using force, as the protesting farmers cooperated peacefully.

Police Confirm Smooth Eviction, No Resistance from Farmers

According to SSP Nanak Singh, police ensured that proper warnings were given to the farmers before initiating the clearance operation. Speaking to news agency ANI, Singh stated, “Farmers had been protesting at the Shambhu Border for a long time. Today, in the presence of Duty Magistrates, the police cleared the area after issuing necessary warnings. A few individuals were willing to return home voluntarily, and they were sent home by bus. The remaining structures and vehicles at the site were removed. The entire stretch of the road will now be opened for traffic.”

Haryana Police will initiate a similar clearance operation from their side, facilitating the resumption of traffic on the highway connecting Haryana and Punjab. SSP Singh reiterated that no force was used during the operation, as farmers cooperated and peacefully vacated the area.

Temporary Structures and Vehicles Removed from Protest Site

As part of the operation, temporary structures, makeshift tents, and vehicles stationed by farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites were removed. Several prominent farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal (who has been on an indefinite fast) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher, were detained by the police during the operation.

Rakesh Tikait Condemns Punjab Government’s Action

Reacting to the clearance, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait condemned the Punjab government’s actions. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tikait remarked, “In the ongoing agitation on the Punjab border, while the government is engaging in negotiations with farmer organizations, it is also arresting farmer leaders. We strongly condemn the actions of the Punjab government. All farmer organizations are ready for every possible struggle ahead.”

Tikait’s statement reflects the growing discontent among farmer organizations who had been negotiating with the government regarding their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Farmers’ Demands and Next Meeting Scheduled for May 4

The farmers have been protesting for several demands, including:

• Legal guarantee of MSP for all major crops.
• Waiver of farm loans and reduction of input costs.
• Justice for victims of previous protest crackdowns and police action.

As part of the central government's outreach efforts, a meeting between three Union Ministers and Punjab Cabinet Ministers was held with farmer representatives on Wednesday in Chandigarh. After the discussions, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the meeting was positive and constructive. "The discussions took place in a very positive atmosphere, and the next meeting between the government and farmers is scheduled for May 4, 2025," Chouhan said.

Impact of Clearance on Farmers’ Movement

The clearance of the Shambhu Border and Khanauri protest sites is likely to intensify tensions between farmer organizations and the government. While the police ensured that the eviction was conducted peacefully, the detention of key farmer leaders has caused widespread concern among the farming community. Many farmer unions are now regrouping and strategizing for the upcoming meeting on May 4, where they will reiterate their demands for legal MSP guarantees and other reforms.

Government’s Position and Strategy

The government’s decision to clear protest sites comes at a critical juncture, with elections approaching and the agricultural sector being a major political constituency. While the government remains optimistic about resolving the standoff through negotiations, the detentions and police actions may further escalate tensions, potentially drawing larger mobilization from farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and other states.

Future Course of the Farmers’ Protest

With the next round of talks scheduled for May 4, the outcome will significantly influence the direction of the farmers' movement. Farmer organizations have vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met. Rakesh Tikait’s call for united action among all farmer organizations signals the possibility of intensified protests if their demands remain unaddressed.

Conclusion: Road to Resolution or Prolonged Agitation?

The eviction at the Shambhu Border marks a critical turning point in the ongoing farmers’ protest. While the government is pushing for negotiated solutions, the detention of farmer leaders and the clearing of protest sites may spark renewed agitation in the coming weeks. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on the May 4 meeting, which could determine whether the deadlock between farmers and the government moves toward resolution or enters a prolonged phase of confrontation.

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