Chandigarh – Malerkotla in Punjab has become a flashpoint between the government and farmers. The Punjab government is seeking to clear land for the Jammu-Katra Expressway, but the farmers are refusing to give up their land to the central government without negotiations.
This standoff has brought the farmers and the government into direct confrontation, with the situation in Malerkotla resembling a battlefield.
Farmers in Malerkotla are adamant about not giving up their land for the Jammu-Katra Expressway, while the Punjab government is determined to provide the land to the central authorities for road construction.
Currently, Malerkotla is witnessing a tense, war-like situation. Farmers, asserting their rights over their land, are fighting against the acquisition for the road. In response, the police tried to reclaim the occupied land, leading to a fierce clash between the farmers and the police.
Recently, the administration had acquired land in several villages in Malerkotla, which sparked protests by members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) on Wednesday. During the protest, farmers pushed back the police barricades, and clashes ensued. The situation became more tense as both sides used force, and to manage the unrest, additional police personnel were deployed, while attempts were made to negotiate with the farmers.
Taking note of the escalating situation, a high-level meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Delhi, with officials from NHAI and the Punjab government expected to attend. The meeting will review the progress of the Jammu-Katra Expressway
