Protesting locals over Budha Nallah clash with police in Ludhiana, many detained

Chandigarh: Ludhiana witnessed escalating tensions today as a protest over the Budha Nallah drain dispute turned volatile. Thousands of demonstrators, responding to a call by social activist Lakha Sidhana, gathered to block the drain.

To prevent clashes between the protesters and local industries, the police administration deployed a heavy security presence.

Protesters marching toward Budha Nallah were intercepted near Punjab Agricultural University on the Ferozepur highway this afternoon. Senior civil administration officials also arrived at the scene to engage with the demonstrators.

Following police intervention, several protesters were detained, prompting others to block the Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway in retaliation. To control the situation, authorities installed mobile signal jammers at key protest sites.

Among those detained were prominent activists, including Titu Baniya from Ludhiana, Roman Brar from Ferozepur, Mohinder Singh from Moga, and an individual from Faridkot. The situation remains tense as efforts to negotiate with the protesters continue.