Punjab Farmer Union protest: 16 union leaders arrested in various locations
The leaders had intended to stage a protest regarding the unpaid compensation for farmers affected by floods
Chandigarh, August 21: Farmer leaders from 16 unions, spearheaded by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), have been apprehended across various regions of Punjab since Monday morning.
Their intended protest in Chandigarh starting from August 22, aimed at highlighting the lack of compensation for flood-stricken farmers, prompted these arrests. Despite ongoing negotiations between senior Punjab Police officials and the leaders until Sunday night, a resolution could not be reached.
From the early hours of August 21, leaders of these unions, distinct from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha coalition, have been subjected to preemptive detainment.
Reportedly, representatives of these unions had a meeting with Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Sunday night. Purohit assured them that he would facilitate discussions between officers from both Punjab and Haryana to address their concerns.
The delegation meeting with the Governor was led by SS Pandher, the president of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee.
Among those taken into custody on Monday are Sarvan Singh Pandher, state president of KMSC; Baldeep Singh, press secretary of BKU (Krantikari); Kanwardilip Singh, state press secretary of KMSC; Chamkaur Singh and Borh Singh, leaders of BKU (Behramke).
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