SKM protests outside BJP leaders’ residences across Punjab, condemns police action on students

Farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) staged protests outside the residences of BJP leaders across Punjab on Wednesday, following the organisation’s statewide call. In Patiala, a large number of farmers gathered outside Moti Mahal, the residence of former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to demonstrate against the Centre’s policies.

Farmer leader Dr Darshan Pal strongly condemned the alleged lathi-charge by Delhi Police on students protesting at Jantar Mantar, calling it an attack on democracy. He said the SKM may soon decide to extend its support to the students’ movement after discussions within the organisation. He also affirmed that members of his farmers’ union would participate in the protest. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) president Raminder Patiala accused the Centre of adopting an authoritarian approach through several decisions, including the proposed India-US trade agreement. He said protests were held outside BJP leaders’ residences from 12 noon to 3 pm across Punjab, while toll plazas were also made toll-free as part of the agitation. He added that more protest programmes would be announced in the coming days.