Punjab Police clears protest sites in Shambhu and Khanauri, detaining farmers' leaders.

PUNJAB:    Punjab Police cleared protest sites at Shambhu and Khanauri borders on Wednesday, removing barricades, vehicles, and temporary structures that had blocked the highways for over a year. 

Police said that two highways would be reopened soon after dismantling the structures and removing the trolleys and other vehicles that had been stationed by the farmers, who have been protesting since February last year. 

Farmer leader Guramneet Singh Mangat told the media that several farmer leaders, including sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were detained in Mohali while they were on their way to the Shambhu protest site after meeting the central delegation led by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the eviction of farmers from the protest sites, saying that the prolonged closure of the two highways had severely impacted industries and businesses.

He added that the highways, which are vital for the state's economy, had been blocked for over a year, affecting trade and employment.

"The AAP is committed to providing jobs to youths, and industries can only function smoothly when the trade and business sectors operate without disruptions," Cheema added. 

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned the detention of farmer leaders, accusing the AAP government in Punjab of trying to "sabotage" the ongoing talks between the Centre and farmers. 

Police action amidst rising industrial concerns

The police action comes amid increasing concerns from industrialists in Punjab, who have been vocal about the financial losses they have suffered due to the prolonged closure of highways. 

Earlier in the day, signs of a potential police crackdown were visible as heavy police deployment was observed at the two protest sites. This took place while farmer leaders were engaged in discussions with the central delegation in Chandigarh.