Chandigarh, March 5, 2025 – Punjab police detained farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan on Tuesday morning near Gharachon village in Sangrur district, ahead of a major farmers’ protest planned in Chandigarh. Ugrahan, the president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), was among several farmer leaders targeted in a statewide crackdown.
Punjab Police Crackdown on Farmer Leaders
In a pre-dawn operation, police conducted raids at the homes of multiple farmer leaders across Punjab. Several prominent activists were taken into custody to prevent their participation in the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) week-long demonstration in Chandigarh. The Punjab government’s move follows unsuccessful negotiations with farmer unions over key agricultural and economic demands.
Protests to Continue Despite Arrests
SKM leaders have strongly condemned the police action, calling it an “attempt to suppress democratic protests.” Despite the detentions, the farmer unions have vowed to go ahead with their protest, demanding better crop prices, debt relief, and implementation of previous agreements made with the central government.
In response to the arrests, farmers from various districts have started gathering at state borders, raising concerns over potential clashes with security forces. “These detentions will not weaken our movement. The government must address our demands rather than resorting to such tactics,” an SKM spokesperson said.
Growing Tensions Between Farmers and Government
The crackdown on farmer leaders has escalated tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties criticizing the government for attempting to silence peaceful demonstrations. Political analysts see this as a major test for both the state and central governments, as farmer protests continue to be a sensitive issue in India.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the government’s next move and whether negotiations can prevent further escalation.
