Chandigarh, March 20— Following a police crackdown on farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for a nationwide protest outside deputy commissioners’ offices on Thursday.
Several farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, were arrested, prompting some to announce a ‘chakka jaam’ (road blockade) across Punjab. “We will block roads in villages and towns to protest the unlawful arrests,” a farmer leader said. Farmers at the village level have been asked to obstruct the nearest roads, while authorities placed several leaders under house arrest to prevent further demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Khanauri’s Hanuman Palace has been turned into a temporary jail, where over 300 people detained from the protest site are being held.
In response to the agitation, authorities suspended internet services in Sangrur district. Internet access had already been cut off in Patiala and nearby towns since Wednesday evening.
