Faridkot, May 2: An awareness event organized by the Punjab government to promote its anti-drug campaign turned confrontational on Friday when protesting farmers clashed with police while attempting to approach state ministers in Faridkot.
Punjab Cabinet Ministers Laljit Bhullar and Baljit Kaur, along with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, were attending the function as part of the government’s ongoing “war against drugs” outreach when members of various farmers’ unions attempted to march toward the venue.
The protesters were stopped by police roughly 500 meters from the site, triggering a heated standoff.
Tensions escalated quickly, with pushing and scuffles reported as officers attempted to disperse the group. Several farmers were detained and taken to an undisclosed location, according to eyewitnesses and union leaders.
Farmer representatives said the protest was peaceful and intended to hold the ministers accountable for multiple grievances, including widespread crop losses due to fire incidents and damages sustained during previous standoffs at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
“We wanted to raise our concerns directly and peacefully, but instead of listening, the government chose force,” a farmer leader said.
The protesters also questioned the sincerity of the state’s anti-drug campaign, accusing the administration of shielding politically connected individuals while targeting vulnerable communities.
“The government claims to be fighting against drugs, but narcotics continue to be sold openly in the state,” said a protesting farmer.
Referring to a recent incident in Faridkot, the farmers alleged that a known associate of a local MLA was caught selling drugs, but was quickly cleared by the legislator.
“Only the poor and marginalized are being punished in the name of anti-drug operations, while those with political ties walk free,” the farmers charged.
There was no immediate response from the government on the allegations or the arrests.
