On the 50th consecutive day of their protest at Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and SKM non-political announced further agitation efforts aimed at securing the release of five farmers arrested during the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protests.
The detainees, including Amarjeet Singh, Ravinder Singh, Anish Khatkar, Navdeep Jalbera, and Gurkirat Singh, were arrested on varying dates in connection to their participation in the protests. Amarjeet and Ravinder have been in Jind jail since February 13, while Anish was detained on March 19, also in Jind jail. Navdeep and Gurkirat, arrested on March 28, remain in police custody. All face charges under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by the Ambala police during the protests at the borders.
Tejveer Singh, spokesperson of BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh, highlighted that Navdeep and Gurkirat hail from Jalbera and Behgal Patti villages of Ambala, respectively, while the others are from Khatkar Kalan in Punjab and Haryana.
The decision to escalate protests was announced on Tuesday during a gathering of KMM and SKM non-political members at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, coordinator of SKM non-political, lamented the arrest of five individuals, all below 30 years of age, simply for expressing their demands in Delhi.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of KKM, asserted, “We demand their immediate release, or we will escalate our protest actions. Effigies of BJP will be burnt across all districts on April 7. Additionally, we plan to block railway tracks at Shambhu border on April 9, with further escalation strategies if necessary.”
Meanwhile, BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) organized a massive rally in Mansa district, outside the deputy commissioner and SSP offices. They declared their intent to prevent BJP leaders from entering their villages, citing their obstruction of farmers’ journey to Delhi.
The rally also addressed concerns over government attempts to acquire agricultural land in Kullerian village, cultivated by farmers without ownership rights. “We will resist land acquisition efforts and ensure justice for our fellow farmers,” stated Narain Dutt of Punjab Inqlaab Manch, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing protests until all demands are met.