Traffic Resumes on Shambhu-Ambala Highway as Khanauri Border Opens Amid Farmers' Protests

Traffic on the Shambhu-Ambala Highway resumed after more than a year following the removal of roadblocks by Haryana Police. The Khanauri border point is also being cleared. This comes after Punjab Police dismantled temporary structures set up by protesting farmers. The farmers had been camping at these sites since February 13 last year, after their march to Delhi was stopped.

Political Reactions and Allegations

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) expressed support for the farmers but stressed the importance of reopening roads for Punjab's economy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused AAP leader and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of clearing protest sites to gain votes ahead of the Ludhiana West bypoll. Congress criticised both parties, alleging collusion.

Farmers, angered by the police action, protested in various Punjab locations like Moga and Tarn Taran. They claimed those detained began a hunger strike. In Moga, a scuffle occurred between farmers and police as protesters headed to the deputy commissioner's office. Political figures condemned the crackdown on farmers.

Impact on Economy and Employment

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted that the prolonged closure of highways at Shambhu and Khanauri border points severely affected Punjab's trade. He emphasised that generating employment through industrial growth is crucial for combating drug issues in the state.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced plans to hold protests outside deputy commissioners' offices against the police crackdown. These organisations criticised the AAP government for evicting protesters and detaining farmer leaders returning from a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Criticism from Political Leaders

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of destabilising Punjab's economy by supporting fake farm leaders indifferent to farmers' welfare. Jakhar questioned why Punjab suffered losses for 400 days if vacating Shambhu and Khanauri was possible without significant protest.

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa alleged that Mann collaborated with the BJP-led union government. Bajwa claimed a false narrative was created blaming farmers for highway blockages, while it was actually the BJP-led Haryana government that blocked access to Delhi. He criticised AAP's crackdown on farmers as undemocratic.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda condemned Punjab's forcible end to the farmers' protest, calling it undemocratic to ignore farmers' demands and prevent them from reaching Delhi. Hooda urged the government to accept their demands and ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Satnam Singh Pannu criticised the police action, accusing Punjab's government of collaborating with the Centre in cracking down on protesting farmers. Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on an indefinite fast since November 26 last year, was moved to medical facilities in Jalandhar for treatment.

The situation has drawn attention from various political factions, each presenting differing views on handling protests and addressing farmers' concerns. The reopening of roads marks a significant development in this ongoing issue affecting Punjab's socio-economic landscape.