Thu Mar 20 05:09:17 UTC 2025: ## Punjab Police Clear Farmer Protest, Detain Leaders

**Chandigarh, March 20, 2025** – Haryana police today cleared a farmer protest at the Shambhu border, removing cemented barricades erected to prevent protesters from entering Delhi. Several prominent farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal (currently on an indefinite fast) and Sarvan Singh Pandher, were detained by Punjab Police. The evictions follow a seventh round of talks between farmer leaders and a central delegation on Wednesday, which concluded with a commitment to further discussions on May 4th.

The crackdown has drawn sharp criticism. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait condemned the Punjab government’s actions. Farmer leader Guramneet Singh Mangat stated that the detentions occurred in Mohali as leaders were en route to the Shambhu protest site following the meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Similar actions were taken at the Khanauri protest site. The ongoing dialogue and the police actions highlight the continuing tension surrounding farmers’ demands.

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