The North News
Chandigarh, March 25
The Punjab government has released 1,250 farmers who were arrested last week during a police crackdown at protest sites in Shambhu and Khanauri so far. On Tuesday morning, 450 farmers detainees walked free from Patiala Central Jail. Inspector General Sukhchain Singh Gill had earlier confirmed the release of 800 farmers. Officials said elderly farmers over 60, women, and those with medical conditions would also be freed.
The protests, led by farmer organisations, have escalated following the arrests of key farmers’ leaders. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for nationwide demonstrations. Punjab Police have responded to reports of theft from detained farmers and registered three FIRs and appointed SP Jasbir Singh as the nodal officer for grievances. Farmers can report losses by contacting 9071300002, IG Gill said.
The unrest erupted on 19 March after the seventh round of talks between farmer leaders and the central government failed. Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi along with Punjab Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchak and Gurmeet Singh Khudian met the farmers in Chandigarh and discussed their demands for a legal MSP guarantee, loan waivers, pensions, and withdrawal of cases against protesters.
