Punjab Govt Defends March 19 Crackdown on Farmers in HC, Cites Intelligence Alerts
Justifying its March 19 action against protesting farmers, the Punjab Government on Monday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that credible intelligence inputs had warned of a potential escalation at the protest sites in Shambhu and Khanauri.
In an affidavit submitted by Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh, the government said it had received specific inputs suggesting that the protesting farmers were likely to attempt a violent breach of police barricades to resume their march towards Delhi.
The affidavit noted that tensions escalated following a meeting held on March 19 between farmer union leaders and a central delegation led by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike, also attended the meeting via ambulance, provided by the Punjab Government in compliance with Supreme Court directions.
Citing “critical and alarming” intelligence, the Punjab Government said it took pre-emptive measures on the night of March 19-20 to prevent any breach of peace. The police and local administration worked to disperse the protesters from the dharna sites at Shambhu and Khanauri, claiming that no excessive or "strong" force was used during the operation. The move, the affidavit stated, was also aimed at easing public inconvenience caused by prolonged road blockades.
The government further argued that the decision to clear the protest sites was in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions. “The apex court not only expected Punjab and Haryana to address the on-ground situation but, at times, also appreciated their efforts in doing so,” the affidavit added.
The submission came in response to a habeas corpus petition seeking the release of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The petition, filed by farmer leader Gurmukh Singh through counsels Gurmohan Preet Singh, Angrej Singh, and Kanwarjit Singh, alleged that Dallewal had been placed in unlawful custody by the authorities.
The case continues to draw significant attention amid ongoing tensions between protesting farmers and the state.
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