Chandigarh: Punjab Police on Wednesday removed farmers from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border who were sitting on a protest over various demands.

Police also removed temporary structures erected by farmers at the protest site.

Several farmer leaders including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on an indefinite fast and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher were detained by the Police.

Following the Punjab Police’s action, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh assured that the entire road would be cleared and reopened for traffic. 

Speaking to ANI, SSP Singh explained that no force was used during the operation, as the protesting farmers had cooperated with the police.

"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 they were given proper warning. A few people showed a willingness to go home, and they were sent home on a bus. Additionally, the structures and vehicles here are being moved. The entire road will be cleared and opened for traffic," he said.

"Haryana Police will also begin their action. Once it opens from their side, the movement on the highway will resume. We did not need to use any force because there was no resistance. Farmers cooperated well and they sat in buses by themselves," the SSP added.

Farmer leader and national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), Rakesh Tikait, condemned the Punjab government's actions, stating, "In the ongoing agitation on the border of Punjab, on one hand, the government is negotiating with the farmer organizations, and on the other hand, it is arresting them. We strongly condemn the action of the Punjab government, and all the farmer organizations are ready for every struggle."

Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi criticized the government's approach, calling it part of a conspiracy against farmers. "Not just Punjab but the entire farming community is facing a big attack today. A meeting was held in Chandigarh, where it was decided that the next round of talks would be on May 4, but they (farmers) were attacked from behind and deceived. The road has been blocked by the government, not the farmers. They want to come to Delhi," Channi stated.

BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa also voiced support for the farmers, accusing Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of misleading them. "The central government has sent ministers to hold talks with the farmers, but the businessmen of Ludhiana West said they wouldn't vote for them as all the roads are closed. To ensure the Rajya Sabha seat for Arvind Kejriwal and win the Ludhiana West by-election, they have detained Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarvan Singh Pandher," Bajwa claimed.

Defending his government's actions, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema explained, "The action was taken because we want to open Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The traders and youth of Punjab are very upset. When the traders do business, the youth will get employment and stay away from drugs."

He further added, "The farmers' demands are against the central government, and they should stage their protests in Delhi or somewhere else, but they should not block the roads of Punjab."

Earlier today, as part of the central government’s outreach to farmers, three Union Ministers and Punjab Cabinet Ministers met with the farmers in Chandigarh to address their ongoing protests. The next meeting between the government and farmers has been scheduled for May 4.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed optimism about the discussions, saying, "The meeting took place in a very positive atmosphere, and the discussions were very positive. The next date for the meeting is May 4."