In a disturbing development, protesting farmers on Thursday clashed with Police in Amritsar. A protest led by members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur). The situation escalated after farmers, reportedly attempting to stage a sit-in near Bhandari Bridge, were stopped by the police, resulting in a standoff that led to injuries and detentions.
The protesting farmers were heading toward Bhandari Bridge to hold a demonstration over various demands, including compensation for hailstorm-damaged crops and action against alleged irregularities in land acquisition for national highways. However, police intervened before they could reach the site, citing High Court orders against blocking roads and disrupting public movement.
Protest intensified near GNDU
As police blocked their passage, the farmers staged a sit-in protest near the back gate of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU). Farmers reportedly attempted to speed away on tractor trolleys, which led to a collision with an Activa scooter, injuring two schoolchildren. One other motorcyclist was also reportedly injured.
DCP Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu told the media, "There is a clear order from CM Bhagwant Singh Mann that no roads will be blocked by protestors, that will impact the common people. We have been requesting them for the past few days that it is also the order of the High Court not to block the road. But, they are even ready to follow the High Court's order...We are getting the school children treated. We will take relevant legal action against the protestors who did this."
The Police further informed that the farmers were adamant about holding a protest by blocking roads without any permission. Apart from school children, one woman constable was also injured. The Police further said, "The business and daily life of Amritsar have already taken a toll due to India-Pakistan tensions. They wanted to block the Bhandari Bridge, which would have impacted Amritsar even more. They tried to run over school children under the tractor. Fortunately, the children are out of danger and are currently receiving medical treatment."
For the unversed, Bhandari Bridge is one of the key flyovers that connects Amritsar.
What are the farmers saying?
According to the information, this morning, the farmers of Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Punjab Sidhupur were going to the office of the DC Amritsar to submit a memorandum regarding their demands. The police first warned the farmers and said that, according to the Punjab government, blocking the roads, staging a dharna, and harassing people is illegal, so the road should not be blocked.