Punjab farmers clash with police at Chandigarh border; watch
PTC Web Desk: Tension escalated at the Chandigarh-Mohali border on Friday after farmers associated with the SKM attempted to march towards Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh to protest against what they termed as the Centre’s “anti-Punjab policies” and pending agricultural demands.
Thousands of farmers belonging to 32 farmer unions gathered near Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali before heading towards Chandigarh to submit their protest to Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. However, the Chandigarh Police stopped the protesters at the border barricades, leading to clashes between farmers and security personnel.
Police personnel resorted to lathi-charge, water cannons and tear gas shelling after protesters allegedly tried to breach the barricades erected at multiple entry points into Chandigarh. Dramatic scenes were reported as several protesters climbed over barricades while raising slogans of “Bole So Nihal.” Despite repeated warnings, the demonstrators continued advancing towards the city.
During the confrontation, several farmers reportedly sustained minor injuries, while some police personnel were also hurt amid the scuffle. Visuals from the protest showed turbans falling off during the pushing and shoving between protesters and police teams.
To prevent the protesters from entering the Union Territory, the Chandigarh Police sealed all borders adjoining Punjab and intensified security arrangements across sensitive points. Senior police officials, including the SSP, remained present on the spot to monitor the situation closely.
Traffic movement was also affected due to the protest. Authorities diverted vehicles on roads leading to Chandigarh, particularly near the Punjab School Education Board road and the Matour barrier area. the police said traffic remained normal on most other routes.
The protesting farmers raised several demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on all crops, restoration of cancelled cooperative loan limits and adequate electricity and canal water supply during the paddy season.
They also demanded the withdrawal of the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 and Seed Act 2025. Another key issue highlighted by the unions was the distribution of river water according to the riparian principle and the repeal of certain provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act.
Farmer leaders stated that the agitation would continue until the Centre addresses their long-pending demands.
- PTC NEWS
