Punjab, March 5, 2025:
Amid heavy police deployment across Punjab, particularly in areas with a strong presence of the 37 farmer unions under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers have initiated their planned march towards Chandigarh in small groups. However, law enforcement agencies have set up multiple checkpoints along major state and national highways, preventing their movement.
Police Block Entry to Chandigarh
To curb the farmers’ entry into Chandigarh for their proposed week-long sit-in, police have completely sealed the city’s borders. Security forces are stationed at key points to ensure no demonstrators breach the barricades.
Detention of Farmer Leaders
Authorities continue to detain second-tier leaders of farmer unions. Reports confirm that leaders of the BKU Rajewal faction have been taken into custody in Amloh. Several small groups attempting to march toward the state capital via the Samrala-Chandigarh road have also been intercepted. Additionally, top farmer leaders who were detained in Barnala yesterday have now been relocated to police stations in Sangrur district.
50 Farmers Detained in Mohali
At least 50 farmers gathered at Amb Sahib Gurudwara in Mohali have been taken into custody as part of the police crackdown on the protest.
Traffic Diversions Implemented
To prevent disruptions caused by the protest, authorities have diverted traffic on several key routes across Punjab.
Key Leaders to Head Protest
Prominent farmer leaders spearheading the demonstration include:
- Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, General Secretary, BKU Ugrahan
- Shingara Singh, District President, BKU Ugrahan, Bathinda
- Gurnam Singh, Senior Vice President, Punjab Kissan Union, leading from Village Samao and Village Bhikhi in Mansa
- Bhupinder Singh, State Committee Member, Kirti Kisan Union (Dhudike Group), leading from Village Ubhawal, Sangrur
Farmers Gather at Multiple Locations
Reports indicate that farmers are assembling in small groups across the state:
- Farmers from Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Hoshiarpur are gathering at Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib, Ropar.
- Protesters from Ludhiana and Jagraon are set to meet at Village Andlu, near Raikot, before proceeding to Chandigarh.
- Sangrur farmers will congregate at Mehmadpur in Patiala before moving forward.
Heavy Security Deployment in Key Districts
Security has been ramped up in several locations, including:
- Fatehgarh Sahib, particularly in Sirhind and Khumano.
- Patiala, where toll plazas at Dhareri Jattan and Ajizpur have been sealed.
- Ropar, Sangrur, and Barnala, where highways leading to Chandigarh have heavy police presence.
Farmers Blocked in Samrala and Moga
In Samrala, police have stopped groups attempting to move towards Chandigarh. Additionally, the Chandigarh administration has refused permission for the sit-in at Sector 34.
In Moga, Krantikari Kisan Union District President Jatinder Singh reported that farmers were stopped at Ajitwal, with some reportedly detained by the Punjab Police.
SKM’s Call for Week-Long Protest
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of over 30 farmer organizations, has called for a week-long protest in Chandigarh starting March 5. However, police actions, including detentions and roadblocks, have significantly hindered their mobilization. Despite these obstacles, farmers continue their efforts to assemble and push forward with their demands.
About The Author
