Punjab Defends Clearing Protest Sites, Cites Intelligence Alerts and Supreme Court Guidance
The State of Punjab has defended its recent actions at the farmer protest sites in Shambhu and Khanauri, citing credible intelligence inputs that warned of a potential escalation. In an affidavit submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, the state argued that it acted to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
According to the affidavit filed by Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh, intelligence gathered from multiple sources—including the state intelligence wing—indicated that the protesting farmers were likely to attempt a forceful breach of the barricades and resume their march toward Delhi.
The affidavit noted that tensions increased following a March 19 meeting between protesting farmer leaders and a Union Government delegation headed by the Union Agriculture Minister. The meeting was deemed unsuccessful by the farmer groups. Notably, key farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal attended the meeting while under medical supervision in an ambulance provided by the Punjab Government, in compliance with Supreme Court directives.
In light of these developments, the Punjab Government stated that it took "pre-emptive measures" during the night of March 19-20 to avoid a deterioration of the situation. The affidavit emphasized that the police and local administration acted with restraint and avoided using "strong force" while working to disperse the protesters. The aim, it said, was to maintain peace and alleviate the difficulties faced by the general public due to prolonged road blockades.
The state also underlined that its actions were consistent with the Supreme Court's guidance. “Various orders passed by the Supreme Court would reveal that not only were the states of Punjab and Haryana... expected to remedy the on-ground situation and bring an end to the impasse—they were, in fact, encouraged to continue to do so and appreciated for the same at certain points during the proceedings,” the affidavit stated.
The submission came in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by farmer leader Gurmukh Singh, through legal counsel Gurmohan Preet Singh, Angrej Singh, and Kanwarjit Singh. The petition alleged that Jagjit Singh Dallewal was being held in unlawful custody by the authorities.
The court will now weigh these arguments as it considers the legality of the state’s intervention and Dallewal’s status.
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