Punjab Police Evicts Protesters from Shambhu and Khanauri Sites..

Punjab : Tensions escalated in Punjab as the state police evicted farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites, which had been major gathering points for demonstrations. The eviction, which took place early in the morning, was carried out amidst heavy security deployment. The police, backed by paramilitary forces, dismantled barricades and cleared the sites, urging the protesters to disperse peacefully. Farmers, who have been protesting against various agricultural policies and demanding better price guarantees for their crops, resisted the eviction but were eventually moved out.

Authorities cited law and order concerns as the primary reason for the eviction, stating that prolonged protests were disrupting traffic and public movement. The move has sparked criticism from farmer unions, who condemned the government’s action as undemocratic and oppressive. Many leaders of the farmers’ movement have vowed to regroup and continue their agitation through alternative means. The protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri had become symbols of the farmers’ resistance, drawing support from across Punjab and neighboring states.

Eyewitnesses reported scuffles between police personnel and protesters, though no major violence was recorded. Several demonstrators were detained, but officials assured that they would be released after verification. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has appealed for calm and urged farmer leaders to engage in dialogue rather than resort to prolonged demonstrations.

The eviction comes amid growing tensions between farmer groups and the central government, with talks failing to yield any concrete resolutions. While the authorities maintain that public inconvenience necessitated the action, protesters argue that their demands have not been met, leaving them with no choice but to continue their struggle. As the situation unfolds, farmer unions are expected to announce their next course of action, potentially reigniting demonstrations in other parts of the state.