Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border cleared: Security tightened as police remove barricades amid farmers protest

NEW DELHI: Security was heightened at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border on Thursday as Haryana Police removed concrete barricades restricting the movement of farmers, a day after Punjab Police cleared the protest site. Bulldozers were used to dismantle the barriers as authorities moved to reopen the highway.

On Wednesday evening, Punjab Police had facilitated the removal of protesting farmers from the site. Patiala SSP Nanak Singh stated that the road would soon be fully opened for traffic, highlighting that the clearance was conducted peacefully. "No force was used, as the farmers cooperated with the police," he said.

Meanwhile, key farmer leaders, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal—who has been on an indefinite fast—and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher, were detained.

Their detention drew sharp reactions, with Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait condemning the Punjab government's move. "While talks were ongoing, the government arrested farmers. All organizations are ready for the struggle," Tikait posted on X.

Former Punjab CM and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi termed the police action a "conspiracy" against farmers, claiming they were deceived while discussions were set to continue. BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa accused Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of acting against farmers for political gains.

However, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the action, stating that the prolonged blockade had hurt local businesses and youth employment. "The farmers' demands are against the Centre. They should protest in Delhi, not block Punjab's roads," he said.

With the border clearance underway, traffic movement is expected to resume soon, while farmers weigh their next course of action.