Farmers Insist on Questioning CM Bhagwant Mann, Security Tightened in Dharamkot

Tension prevailed in Punjab’s Dharamkot area on Saturday as farmers attempting to attend an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rally were stopped by police in village Lohgarh. A heavy police presence was deployed around the local Gurdwara Sahib early in the morning to prevent farmers from proceeding toward the rally venue. The farmers, led by Satnam Singh Pannu, state president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, had gathered to question Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during the rally. However, under the supervision of SP Bal Krishna Singla, a large police force blocked their movement, leading to a tense standoff between the two sides. Farmer leaders remained firm on their demand to raise issues with the Chief Minister. Satnam Singh Pannu alleged that despite being given meeting times on five occasions, discussions had been repeatedly postponed. He stated that the organization wanted to raise concerns related to the electricity bill agreement, repeal of the MGNREGA law, compensation for losses and thefts during the Delhi farmers’ protest, along with several other pending issues in Punjab. He further alleged that the government was avoiding dialogue. Farmers asserted that they would reach the grain market rally venue in Dharamkot under any circumstances to question the Chief Minister. A large number of farmers were present at the site under the leadership of Rana Ranbir Singh, district president Gurdev Singh Shahwala, and Avtar Singh Dharam Singh Wala. Police officials continued efforts to persuade the protesters. Earlier, five leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee were detained by police and taken into custody in a bus, further escalating tensions in Lohgarh village. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the rally venue, where a large gathering had already assembled. At the rally, singer Ranjit Bawa performed, entertaining the crowd with his songs as attendance continued to grow. Strict security arrangements were also evident at the venue, with journalists facing difficulty in accessing the stage area. Despite possessing yellow entry cards, media personnel were not allowed near the मंच. Even after intervention by AAP media cell in-charge Daler Singh, police officials did not permit entry. District Public Relations Department official Pragat Singh was engaged in discussions with authorities to facilitate media access.