PHAGWARA: While commenting upon The ongoing farmers’ protest in Punjab which has taken a dramatic turn, with multiple farmer leaders either arrested or placed under house arrest by the Punjab Police National Farmers Leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has warned Punjab Chief Minister that excessiveness will cost more to the state government.
The crackdown follows a breakdown in talks between farmer unions and the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, but arrogance of a Chief Minister could not be tolerated at any cost.
Grewal said that prominent farmer leaders, including Balbir Singh Rajewal (Bhartiya Kisan Union Rajewal), Joginder Singh Ugrahan (Bhartiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan), Sukhwinder Kaur (General Secretary, Bhartiya Kisan Union Krantikari), and Manjit Singh Rahe (State President, Bhartiya Kisan Union Doaba), are among those reportedly detained or restricted to their residences. Reports also suggest that several other protesting farmers have been taken into custody.
The situation escalated after a scheduled meeting between the farmers and the Chief Minister ended abruptly. Farmer Leader Grewal alleged that instead of addressing their concerns, the government responded with strong-arm tactics, leading to widespread condemnation.
Adding to the tensions, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike for 100 days, protesting against what he describes as the Punjab government’s failure to fulfill promises made to farmers.
Grewal demanded the immediate release of all detained individuals and an official apology from the Chief Minister for walking out of the meeting. The escalating confrontation has raised concerns over the state of farmer-government relations in Punjab, with political and social organizations weighing in on the issue.
He said , as the situation develops, all eyes are on the Punjab government’s next move and whether a resolution can be reached through dialogue.