Police Raid Farmer Leaders' Homes After Failed Talks with Punjab Government

Chandigarh- Police conducted raids on the residences of several farmer leaders on Tuesday, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan, and detained some activists. These actions came just hours after negotiations between the Punjab government and farm unions represented by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) collapsed, and one day before farmers' planned weeklong protest set to begin in Chandigarh on March 5.

Monday evening's talks between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and farmer representatives broke down midway through discussions. According to SKM leaders, an agitated Mann abruptly left the meeting "in a huff without provocation," after which the farm leaders confirmed they would proceed with their planned sit-in demonstration in Chandigarh.

Joginder Singh Ugrahan, who heads the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), reported that discussions were proceeding smoothly until an unexpected shift. "After discussions on eight-nine out of our 18 demands, Mann said he had an infection in his eye for which he needed to go," Ugrahan told media representatives.

When asked about the upcoming March 5 protest, Ugrahan explained they told the Chief Minister that discussions were still pending and they would decide on the protest afterward. According to Ugrahan, this response upset Mann, who then left the meeting telling farmers to "resort to protest."

Following the failed talks, Chief Minister Mann stated his "doors are always open for talks with the farmers," but urged that "inconvenience and harassment of the public in the name of agitation should be avoided." He expressed concern that road and railway blockades cause significant problems for ordinary citizens, potentially turning public opinion against the protesters.

Mann acknowledged protesting as a democratic right while emphasizing the economic impact on the state, noting that traders and industrialists have complained about business losses due to frequent blockades.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal countered by accusing the Chief Minister of attempting to intimidate them during the meeting.

The farmers' demands include implementation of an agriculture policy, land allocation for landless laborers, and debt forgiveness for farmers and agricultural workers.