Farmers detained after clash with police at anti-drug event in Faridkot

A government-organised event aimed at raising awareness about the fight against drug abuse turned tense on Friday when protesting farmers clashed with police while attempting to confront ministers present at the function. Punjab Cabinet Ministers Laljit Bhullar and Baljit Kaur, along with Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, had arrived in Faridkot to address the public as part of the state’s “war against drugs” campaign.

Members of various farmers’ unions attempted to march toward the venue to question the ministers on pressing issues, but the police intercepted them about 500m away and barred them from proceeding. This led to a heated exchange, with shoving and scuffles reported between the farmers and law enforcement. Eventually, the police detained the protesting farmers and transported them to an undisclosed location.

According to farmer leaders, their protest was peaceful and aimed at seeking accountability from the ministers on issues including heavy crop losses due to fire incidents and damage at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. They alleged that instead of allowing dialogue, the authorities used force to silence their voices.

“The government claims to be fighting against drugs, but narcotics continue to be sold openly in the state,” said one of the farmer leaders. Referring to a close associate of a Faridkot MLA who was allegedly nabbed for selling drugs, the farmers alleged that the MLA gave a clean chit to the accused within minutes of the police arresting him.

“Only poor and marginalised individuals are being targeted under the guise of anti-drug operations, while the real culprits — those with political protection — go unpunished,” said the protesting farmers.

Punjab