Farmer leaders meet detained activists in Patiala Jail; Protest plans to be unveiled on March 24
Ferozepur/Shambhu, March 23, 2025: Both forums will hold a joint press conference on March 24 at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Patiala to announce the next phase of the protest programs.
The leaders from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) visited farmer activists detained in Patiala Central Jail following their sudden arrest on March 19, after a meeting in Chandigarh.
The barricades at Shambhu and Khanauri borders were removed on March 19 after farmer leaders were called to Chandigarh for discussions and subsequently detained. This action has sparked widespread dissent among farmer unions.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal's fast-unto-death has entered its 118th day as of today. He is currently being kept under observation at a private hospital in Patiala, following his recent transfer from the PWD rest house in Jalandhar Cantonment.
Among the detained leaders are Sarvan Singh Pandher, Kaka Singh Kotra, Manjit Singh Rai, Abhimanyu Kohar, and PT John from Kerala. The leaders reported that the detained activists remain in high spirits and are actively strategizing for the next phase of their struggle. Women activists in custody are also said to be maintaining strong morale.
The protests, which began on February 13, 2024, have continued for over a year, with effigy-burning programs held daily across thousands of villages in Punjab and other states. On March 20, despite heavy police barricades, large gatherings were organized outside Deputy Commissioners' offices in Punjab, while Tamil Nadu witnessed rail blockades at multiple locations.