Punjab: 100 tractor-trailers parked, farmers strengthen protest site

Punjab: Farmers have parked several tractor-trailers around the Khanauri protest site, where farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continues his fast-unto-death. The fortification is in response to the November 26 incident, when Dallewal was reportedly taken to a hospital in Ludhiana by the police. The protest site has been fortified with over 100 trailers, which have been parked next to each other and some have even been welded together. Stepping up security measures, around 700 farmers are also participating in the Thikri Pahara (night vigil) and have set up three check-points to monitor and control entry into the area. Volunteers have been given anti-fog torches so they can keep an eye around the “pandal” where Dallewal is fasting.

Angrez Singh, a member of the Bharti Kisan Union, Sidhupur, said vigilance has been increased since Thursday night, when around eight police vehicles were reportedly seen near the protest site. The sighting of the vehicles, which later moved into Haryana, has escalated tensions at the site. “We have also received information that the police may deploy earth movers to remove the trailers. We have prepared a backup plan for that scenario as well,” Angrez Singh said. There was also speculation about the deployment of air ambulances. This has further escalated tensions among the protesters. Farmer leader Pargat Singh rejected any notion that Dallewal was being held against his will. “Dallewal is not a prisoner. He is sitting on a dharna because the central government has failed to implement the promises made while repealing the three controversial farm laws in 2021. The central government should start talks and the leaders will end their fast,” Pargat Singh said.