The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a nationwide protest on March 28, condemning the Punjab Police’s actions against farmers. The organization accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government of acting under pressure from corporate interests and the central government. SKM urged all farmer unions to mobilize in defense of their right to protest and against alleged repression.
Farmers Oppose National Agricultural Policy
The protests are being organized in response to the police crackdown on farmers in Punjab. Farmer unions have called for large-scale demonstrations demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s C2+50% formula for Minimum Support Price (MSP), agricultural loan waivers, and the repeal of the National Policy for Farmers and Agriculture Marketing (NPFAM).
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Recently, the Punjab government cleared the Shambu and Khanauri borders of protesting farmers, removing cement barricades and concrete structures. This move has reopened the Punjab-Haryana route, which had remained blocked for nearly 13 months. Internet services, which were suspended in the region, have also been restored.
Meanwhile, Patiala Range DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu stated that authorities are prepared for any renewed protests. He confirmed that the eviction at the Khanauri border was carried out under ‘Clean Sweep’ and that 400 out of 600 protesting farmers have been detained. Officials have secured farmers’ tractor trolleys, requiring proper documentation for their retrieval.