PTC Web Desk: Responding to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ advisory on the farmers’ protest, the Punjab Government on Wednesday strongly refuted claims that it permitted protesters at the borders, deeming them “completely wrong”. Despite over 160 injuries from police actions, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and drones, the Punjab Government said it had maintained law and order responsibly. The Ministry of Home Affairs had expressed concern about the deteriorating situation along the Punjab-Haryana border and urged the state government to intervene.
In a letter from Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma, the government states it has not received the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s orders restricting the use of tractor-trolleys, stressing the lack of online publication of the directive. The letter highlights that farmers heading to Delhi for protests were halted at the Punjab-Haryana border due to movement restrictions.
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With over 14,000 persons and 1,200 tractor-trolleys gathering for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, the government calls for greater empathy towards the farmers, emphasising the need for sensitive handling of law and order in a border state like Punjab. The letter notes Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s active participation in negotiation meetings with the Centre and underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining peace through the deployment of 2,000 policemen.
Despite tear gas use during the Shambhu border confrontation, the Haryana Police warn farmers against advancing towards Delhi. Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda urges peaceful protests and invites farmers for a fifth round of discussions, cautioning against “unruly elements” attempting to “hijack talks.”
