Sarwan Singh Pandher and Other Farmer Leaders Freed from Punjab Detention
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Synopsis
On March 28, Punjab Police released several farmers, including Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher, after eight days in detention. Concerns were raised over the health of another leader, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a critical hunger strike. The government aims to prioritize the release of vulnerable farmers.
Key Takeaways
- Sarwan Singh Pandher and others released after 8 days.
- Health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal critical due to hunger strike.
- Punjab government released 450 farmers this week.
- Focus on vulnerable groups for immediate release.
- Police cleared farmer blockades at national highways.
Chandigarh, March 28 (NationPress) The Punjab Police have released a number of farmers, including Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher and Abhimanyu Kohar, from custody on Friday after a span of eight days.
Upon his release from Muktsar jail, Pandher stated, "I am heading to Patiala to meet with my fellow farmers. We vehemently oppose the government's decision to dismantle our protest at the Khanauri and Shambhu borders. Today, we will strategize our next steps."
Farmer leader Kohar expressed concern for Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the leader of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), whose health is reportedly critical due to a fast-unto-death that he has been on since March 19.
"Dallewal has not consumed a single drop of water since then and is unable to speak," he noted.
Earlier this week, the Punjab government declared the release of 450 farmers from police custody.
Inspector General of Police, Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, confirmed that nearly 800 farmers have been released from detention.
He mentioned that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered the immediate release of farmers, including women, those with disabilities, individuals with health conditions, and seniors over the age of 60.
"In accordance with the Punjab government's directives, we are prioritizing the release of vulnerable farmers, and around 450 farmers are being released today," he stated.
In a related update, the state government informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday that farmer leader Dallewal is not in police custody.
The government clarified that he was admitted to a hospital in Patiala per his own request.
Justice Manisha Batra instructed the state to ensure that Dallewal's family could visit him in the hospital without any barriers.
Dallewal and Pandher were detained following a meeting with Union Ministers in Chandigarh on March 19.
Subsequently, the Punjab Police cleared the year-long blockades on national highways by farmers at the inter-state borders of Shambhu and Khanauri.
The police moved Dallewal to a private hospital in Patiala on Sunday morning.
