Internet Disrupted at Shambhu and Khanauri Borders Following Detention of Farmer Leaders
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Synopsis
The internet has been disabled at Punjab's Shambhu and Khanauri borders after key farmer leaders were detained. Following inconclusive talks with the government, tensions have escalated as police clear protest sites, urging remaining protesters to leave voluntarily. Upcoming negotiations are scheduled for May 4.
Key Takeaways
- Internet shutdown at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
- Detention of farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.
- Failed negotiations between farmers and the government.
- Police operation to clear protest sites.
- Next talks scheduled for May 4.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The internet has been disabled at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab due to the detention of significant farmer leaders, Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher.
This action follows an unsuccessful meeting between the Centre and farmer representatives, which did not result in a decisive agreement, leading farmers to proceed to the Shambhu border for additional protests.
Farmer leaders were en route to the Shambhu border after the inconclusive discussions when Punjab police stopped their convoy in Mohali, where they were taken into custody.
The Punjab Police initiated the removal of protesting farmers from the Khanauri and Shambhu border locations, which have been disrupted due to ongoing protests against agricultural laws and other concerns.
The situation intensified later in the evening, as police launched a forceful operation to disperse the protest sites. By around 9:30 p.m., both the Khanauri and Shambhu areas were entirely cleared.
To prevent confrontation, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, the DIG of the Patiala Range, spoke to the remaining protesters, urging them to leave voluntarily. He declared, "We are over 3,000 strong, and you are only a few hundred. We must clear these sites, no matter what. Your leaders have already been detained in Chandigarh... we prefer not to use force, so we ask everyone to board the buses voluntarily."
The central government's recent interactions with the farmers included a meeting with Union Ministers and Punjab Cabinet Ministers in Chandigarh, as part of their outreach efforts to address farmer issues. However, the discussions concluded without any substantial progress.
With the detentions of prominent leaders like Dallewal and Pandher, tensions remain high. The next round of discussions between the government and farmers is set for May 4.
To manage the escalating situation, authorities cut off electricity and disabled the internet at crucial protest locations.
