Punjab Farmers Escalate Protests Against AAP Government Over Police Action
In a significant escalation of tensions, farm organizations across Punjab have launched widespread protests, burning effigies of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in villages throughout the state. This dramatic response comes in the wake of Friday's police action against farmers and the subsequent registration of five First Information Reports (FIRs) against approximately 2,000 unnamed activists on Saturday.
Widespread Demonstrations and Effigy Burnings
The protests gained momentum on Sunday as farmers expressed their anger and frustration over what they perceive as excessive police force. Activists from BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) took the lead, organizing effigy burnings in the Rampura Phool area of Bathinda district, with particularly strong participation in Jeond and Chaoke villages. The visual symbolism of burning government effigies served as a powerful statement of dissent against the state administration.
Farmers from various organizations have united in their condemnation of the police actions. "We served an ultimatum of three days to make way for the release of Shagandeep and Baldev, or we will decide the further course of action, and protests will be intensified," declared BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) secretary Shingara Singh Mann. He emphasized that the union would not relent until the detained activists are freed from custody.
Solidarity Among Farm Unions
The protest movement has seen remarkable solidarity among different farm organizations. Both BKU (Ekta Dakaunda) and the Kirti Kisan Union have joined the demonstrations in support of BKU (Ekta Ugrahan). These groups have publicly announced their commitment to stand by the activists should police attempt further arrests, creating a united front against what they describe as government overreach.
Women activists have played a prominent role in the protests, assembling in villages to voice their opposition to the state government's approach. Participants accused the AAP administration of giving police "a free hand in using force against farmers," arguing that such tactics would not silence the voices of the people.
Demands for Release of Detained Activists
At the heart of the protests is the demand for the immediate release of two key activists: Shagandeep Singh and Baldev Singh. BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) has made their freedom a non-negotiable condition and has vowed to intensify protests until this demand is met. The organization was behind the latest round of farmer demonstrations that prompted the police response.
Secretary Shingara Singh Mann issued a stern warning to the state government: "The state government must keep in mind that the voices of the people could never be crushed by using force." This statement reflects the determination of farm organizations to continue their resistance despite facing legal actions and police interventions.
The situation remains tense as the three-day ultimatum approaches its deadline, with farmers prepared to escalate their protests further if their demands are not met. The widespread nature of the demonstrations across multiple villages indicates deep-seated discontent within Punjab's agricultural community regarding government policies and law enforcement approaches to farmer activism.
