By Guruji Sunil Chaudhary

March 20, 2025

Key Takeaways

• Punjab Police launched a large-scale crackdown on farmers protesting at Shambhu and Khanauri borders, forcibly evicting demonstrators and detaining several farmer leaders.
• Over 450 farmers were detained, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, two prominent leaders of the protest movement.
• Temporary structures, tents, and blockade points were dismantled as police cleared the roads.
• Internet services were suspended in the affected areas to prevent mass mobilization.
• Political backlash intensified, with opposition parties condemning the AAP-led Punjab government for acting under alleged pressure from the central government.
• Farmer groups vow to continue protests, warning of a resurgence in demonstrations if their demands for a legal guarantee on MSP (Minimum Support Price) are not met.

Background: Why Were Farmers Protesting?

The protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders had been ongoing for over a year, as farmers from Punjab and Haryana continued their demands for:

A legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.

Loan waivers and financial relief for debt-ridden farmers.

Withdrawal of criminal cases filed against farmers during the previous protests.

Compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during past demonstrations.

Despite multiple rounds of negotiations between farmer representatives and the central government, no substantial breakthrough had been reached, leading to prolonged protests at key border points.

Crackdown at Shambhu Border: What Happened?

Police Action and Detentions

In the early hours of March 19, 2025, Punjab Police, in coordination with Haryana Police, launched a swift operation to clear the protest sites at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. According to officials:

• Hundreds of police personnel, along with paramilitary forces, moved in to dismantle the protest sites.
• Temporary shelters, tents, and barricades set up by farmers were bulldozed.
• More than 450 farmers were detained, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, who were heading toward the protest site in Mohali.

Use of Force and Clashes

Eyewitnesses reported mild clashes between police and protesters, with security forces using batons and water cannons to disperse crowds. Some farmers accused police of high-handed tactics, while authorities insisted that the operation was peaceful and necessary to restore order.

Internet Shutdown and Communication Blackout

Authorities suspended internet services in parts of Punjab, particularly in the Shambhu and Khanauri regions, to prevent mobilization and the spread of protest calls via social media.

Political Fallout: Allegations and Reactions

Opposition Slams Punjab and Central Governments

Several political leaders have condemned the police action, calling it an attack on farmers' democratic rights.

• Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi accused the Punjab government of acting under pressure from the central government, calling it a betrayal of Punjab’s farmers.
• Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticized the timing of the crackdown, stating,
  “Why were farmer leaders detained when negotiations were ongoing? This proves that both AAP and BJP governments have backstabbed the farmers.”
• Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Pargat Singh slammed the Punjab government, saying,
  “For over a year, Haryana’s BJP government blocked Punjab’s borders. Instead of standing with farmers, Bhagwant Mann has surrendered to Delhi’s orders.”

AAP Justifies the Crackdown

The AAP-led Punjab government defended the action, arguing that:

• The protest sites had become a public inconvenience, disrupting traffic and essential movement.
• The law and order situation was deteriorating, requiring intervention.
• The next round of talks with the Centre was already scheduled for May 4, making the protests unnecessaryat this stage.

However, farmer unions rejected these justifications, calling the eviction an undemocratic move to suppress their voice.

Farmers’ Response: “This is Not the End”

Despite the police action, farm leaders vowed to continue their struggle. Many protestors regrouped in villages, planning future demonstrations.

• A statement from Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) read:
  “This is not the end of our movement. The government must understand that farmers cannot be intimidated.”
• Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait warned that a larger mobilization would be announced if farmer demands are ignored.
• Protests intensified in some rural areas, with farmers blocking roads and railway tracks in response to the police crackdown.

What Happens Next?

1. Will Farmer Protests Reignite?

Given the determination of farmer unions, it is likely that new protests will emerge in different locations, potentially causing wider unrest.

2. Will the Centre Engage More Proactively?

With the next round of talks set for May 4, farmer leaders may press for early negotiations to avoid further clashes.

3. Will Political Pressure Mount?

The AAP and BJP governments are now facing criticism from opposition parties, farmer groups, and activists. The political fallout from this crackdown may influence state and national politics, especially with upcoming elections.

Conclusion: A Temporary Setback or the Start of a Bigger Protest?

The clearing of Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites marks a significant turning point in the ongoing farmers' movement. While authorities claim it was a necessary step to restore public order, farmers view it as an attack on their rights.

With the MSP issue still unresolved, this crackdown may only be a temporary setback rather than the end of the movement. The coming weeks will determine whether negotiations bring a resolution or if India witnesses another wave of large-scale farmer protests.

What do you think?

• Was the government justified in clearing the protest sites?
• Will farmer protests return in a bigger form?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!