Ahead of a planned two-hour rail blockade, the Punjab Police launched a series of raids at the residences of several farmer leaders across the state. The action, which began on the night of Thursday, December 4, has drawn sharp criticism from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), which is organising the protest.
Widespread Raids and Detentions Before Protest
The KMM had announced a 'rail roko' (rail blockade) for Friday, December 5, from 1 pm to 3 pm. The protest was scheduled to take place in 19 out of Punjab's 23 districts, including major centres like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, and Bathinda. The primary demand is the withdrawal of the draft Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, which farmers fear could lead to the privatisation of the power sector.
However, in a move the KMM has labelled as repressive, police teams began conducting raids and detaining leaders. KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that raids were carried out at the homes of farmer leaders in districts including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Rupnagar, and Patiala.
"Am I a Criminal?": Farmer Leaders Decry Police Action
Expressing outrage over the police action, Avtar Singh Dharam Singh Wala, the press secretary of KMM from Moga, recounted his experience. "The police arrived at my house at 5 am on Friday. Am I a criminal? This is not done," he said. He emphasised that the protest was against a central government draft bill about which the government itself is silent, and now the state authorities are not allowing them to protest peacefully.
Pandher further criticised the state government, pointing out a contradiction. "On one hand, the government is seeking votes in elections, and on the other hand, it is using repression against farmers, labourers and the general public who are protesting against the Centre’s move to privatise public sector institutions," he said. He also clarified that during the planned two-hour blockade, nearly 80% of train tracks were not scheduled to have any train movement, minimising potential disruption.
KMM's Call for Mass Condemnation and Participation
In response to the police crackdown, the KMM has issued a strong appeal to the public. The organisation has urged everyone to condemn the alleged repressive actions and has called upon the people of Punjab to participate in large numbers in the peaceful rail blockade. In a statement, Pandher appealed to all democratic and mass organisations to stand against this oppression and support their movement.
The situation highlights the escalating tensions between farmer unions and the administration in Punjab over policy matters perceived as threatening agricultural and public interests. The pre-emptive police action sets the stage for a day of significant protest and potential confrontation.
