Police have taken a major action against the protesting farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. According to several reports, Punjab Police have been working to clear the borders, resulting in the detention of several farmers. The preliminary information has revealed that in the late evening of March 19, several stages of the farmers were also removed.
The border area is now fully clear now, according to the latest update. Notably, the officials are still working to remove the loudspeakers, stationed vehicles, tents, boards and other things. The officials have outlined that the police will continue this operation throughout the night.
The internet services have been taken down in some areas by the Punjab Government to prevent spread of misinformation and maintenance of law and order.
The update regarding the incident was shared by SSP Patiala Nanak Singh, who was quoted saying, “Farmers had been protesting at Shambhu Border for a long time. Today, in the presence of Duty Magistrates, Police cleared the area after they were given proper warning. A few people showed a willingness to go home. So, they were sent home on a bus. In addition, the structures and vehicles here are being moved. The entire road will be cleared and opened for traffic. 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."
Shambhu Border: DIG Harminder Singh Gill says, "40 to 50 farmers have surrendered, and if anyone wants to go home, they are free to do so. It is not that we have taken them hostage..." pic.twitter.com/wL4YS8XIx0
— IANS (@ians_india) March 19, 2025
Besides this, while sharing the information about the current situation at the Shambhu Border, DIG Harminder Singh Gill said, "40 to 50 farmers have surrendered, and if anyone wants to go home, they are free to do so. It is not that we have taken them hostage.”
Along with the Shambhu border, the police officials have also cleared the Khanauri border. According to the current information by the sources, a heavy police force has been deployed at the borders and it is anticipated that the officials could take major actions, if the situation goes out of control.
Several sources have outlined that there were speculations and talks that the Punjab government could take some major steps and by the evening, the police started clearing the border areas and detained a few farmers.
Accordingly, various farmer leaders, including leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, were detained by the Police. While reacting to this, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema outlined that this crucial step has been taken to clear the Shambhu and Khanauri border areas. He furthermore outlined that the government and youth of Punjab was with the protesting farmers when they were protesting against the three Black Laws by the central government but now it has been more than a year that the Shambhu and Khanauri borders are closed which has upset traders and youth of Punjab.
It is to be noted that this step has been taken after 13 months of the protest and continuous appeal from the traders as it was very massively disturbing the trade across various states. Along with this, travelling to Delhi was also a task due to closure of the borders as the journey was extended by approximately 2 to 3 hours.
As per the reports by the news agency IANS , he could be further quoted saying, “Today's action has been taken because we want the youth of Punjab to get employment. We want to open Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The demands of the farmers are against the central government and they should stage a protest in Delhi or somewhere else but should not block the roads of Punjab.”
Haryana Police may also get involved in the matter -
Some reports have outlined that Haryana Police might get involved in the matter to clear the borders from their side.
Union Minister Ravneet Bittu spoke with Haryana CM Shri Nayab Singh Saini, stating that the Punjab-Delhi Highway will reopen in the next two days. After Punjab Police action at the Shambhu border and Kannur border, BJP Minister of State in the Center, Ravneet Bittu, made this statement.A meeting between Union Ministers and Farmers -
On Wednesday, Union Ministers and the Punjab Cabinet Ministers came together to meet farmers in Chandigarh. The discussion about several demands took place amid this meeting. The next round of the meeting is scheduled to take place on May 4.
Shortly after the meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan outlined that the meet was very positive and successful.