Punjab: Police and BKU members clash after protest turns volatile on Barnala–Bathinda highway

Punjab: Police, farmers' union members clash after protest turns volatile on Barnala–Bathinda highway. (ANI Video Grab)


A clash erupted between police and members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta Ugrahan on the Barnala-Bathinda National Highway in Punjab on Friday, after BKU members participating in the protest organised by the farmers’ group reportedly tried to enter the city.

The farmers were demonstrating against criminal cases filed against two of their colleagues at the Bathinda and Rampura police stations. They are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the legal proceedings against BKU members.

The protest was called by Joginder Singh Ugrahan, BKU Ekta Ugrahan state president, and included a call to gherao the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Barnala.

As a precautionary measure, Punjab Police blocked entry points into Bathinda city. When the agitating farmers breached layers of security and broke barricades to continue their march, police lathicharged and used tear gas shells to prevent Bharatiya Kisan Union protesting members from entering the city.

Police had deployed security personnel in Bathinda and the surrounding districts to ensure law and order while farmers hold protest. Also, high-tech checkpoints were installed at Tapa Mandi.

Bathinda SSP Jyoti Yadav Bains confirmed that approximately 1500 personnel were deployed in the region to prevent any incidents of violence.

Bathinda DIG Harjeet Singh confirmed that farmers had blocked the road in the area earlier today. However, he said that the situation is under control at present.

He said, “A large number of farmers had gathered on the highway, causing traffic congestion, and we had to manage their protest. They have several demands, which they have presented to the DC. There are still some farmers here, but we are now reopening the road to traffic.”

After the clash, the leaders of the farmers’ group alleged that the state administration used high-handed tactics against a peaceful democratic protest.