Farmers storm district secretariat, turban tossed in clash with police

Moga: Tension gripped the district secretariat today as a large number of farmers scaled its walls and entered the complex to stage a sit-in. Clashes erupted between the farmers and police, who attempted to prevent their entry. Despite resistance, the farmers persisted and successfully staged their protest inside the premises.

Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab State General Secretary Rana Ranbir Singh Thatha said that on February 14, a delegation had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), urging them to address their demands. He said that the family of Balwinder Singh, a farmer who died at the Shambhu border, was promised Rs 5 lakh compensation and a job for a family member by March 5.

Thatha warned that if the administration fails to act within two days, the protest will shift to railway tracks on March 7 and continue until demands are met. Protesters also burned an effigy of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights.

They demanded the immediate release of arrested farmer leaders, allocation of a protest site in Chandigarh, and fulfillment of their 18 demands.