Protesting Punjab Farmers Clash with Police in Chandigarh

Punjab farmers clashed with police on Friday in Chandigarh during a protest march aimed at submitting a memorandum to Governor-cum-UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. The farmers, marching under the Samyukt Kissan Morcha (SKM) banner, demanded a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a resolution of river water disputes, and the repeal of certain sections of the Punjab Reorganisation Act.

The protest turned tense at the Mohali-Chandigarh border when some farmers attempted to break through barricades, which led to police deploying tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd. Several farmers were detained, and incidents resulted in some injuries, claimed leaders including Joginder Singh Ugrahan.

In response to the police action, SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal announced plans to burn effigies of the Punjab Governor and the BJP across Punjab. A crucial meeting among farmer leaders will occur on May 21 to strategize the next steps in their protest. Farmers criticized the central government's moves on a free trade agreement and alleged attempts to alter Punjab's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

(With inputs from agencies.)