THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21
Punjab’s Chief Secretary, Anurag Verma, has called upon the central government to approach the demands of farm unions with greater empathy in efforts to reach an amicable resolution. In an official statement released by the Punjab government, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directive prompted Chief Secretary Verma to correspond with the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Verma rebutted assertions that Punjab had allowed a large gathering at Shambhu and Dhabi-Gujran borders, clarifying that farmers en route to Delhi were deterred from entering Haryana by the state police’s use of force.
Highlighting the ongoing engagement between farm unions and Union ministers to defuse tensions, Verma underscored Punjab’s sensitive law and order context as a border state. Despite some incidents, he affirmed that the state police have effectively managed peaceful assemblies. While acknowledging injuries sustained due to Haryana police actions, Verma emphasized Punjab’s proactive measures to maintain order, including ongoing dialogues between state officials and farm leaders.
Verma reiterated that all protest-related demands fall under the purview of the Government of India, which has conducted multiple negotiations with farm unions. He dismissed claims of deteriorating law and order, citing robust police deployment and continuous monitoring at the highest levels to ensure public safety and address any disruptions effectively.
Key points of Chief Secretary Anurag Verma statement clarifying the situation regarding ongoing farmer protests at the border with Haryana.
- Chief Secretary Verma expressed concern about the use of force by Haryana police, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical force, leading to injuries among approximately 160 protesters.
- Despite the proximity of these events, Punjab assures that protests within its borders are handled calmly and orderly. Continuous dialogues are underway between state officials and farm leaders to facilitate peaceful dispersal.
- Punjab police deny reports of miscreants or lawbreakers infiltrating the protests, emphasizing reliance on official information rather than unverified media reports.
- To maintain control and prevent disruption, a robust police force, including senior officers and 2,000 personnel, is deployed at the border.
- The situation is constantly monitored at the highest level, and appropriate measures will be taken to address any disturbances.