Bathinda Erupts: Farmers Clash with Police Amid Stones and Tear Gas

A protest by farmers in Bathinda demanding the release of two arrested activists turned violent on Wednesday, with clashes reported between police and demonstrators. Officials said several farmers were detained after they allegedly pelted stones at security personnel, while police responded with tear gas to control the situation.

The demonstration, organised by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) in Jeond village , targeted the Bathinda District Administrative Complex . Farmers assembled to seek the release of Shagandeep Singh Jeond and Baldev Singh Chauke , arrested during last year’s protests and lodged in Bathinda jail since April.

Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police ( SSP Jyoti Yadav Bains ) said the “mob” hurled stones from rooftops but added, “The situation is under control .” Protesters, however, alleged that police used tear gas and stone-pelting without provocation . They also claimed that authorities had raided the homes of farmer leaders to prevent them from joining the demonstration.

The unrest in Bathinda is part of a broader wave of farmers’ protests in Punjab that emerged after the nationwide agitation against controversial farm laws in 2020–21, which were later repealed. Many demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and protections for agricultural markets, remain unresolved. Farmers have staged marches, blockades, and bandhs over issues such as land compensation and government schemes, causing traffic disruptions and affecting local businesses across the state.

Ahead of Wednesday’s protest, the district administration deployed heavy police forces, barricades, and tipper trucks to prevent protesters from reaching administrative offices. Some clashes were reported in Patiala’s Samana when farmers were stopped on the Samana–Bhawanigarh road, leading to scuffles near a gurdwara.

Farmer leaders have called for dialogue with police and government officials , insisting on peaceful negotiations to resolve pending issues, including MSP, land rights, and charges against union members. Authorities stressed that the measures were necessary to maintain law and order and minimise inconvenience to the public.

As tensions continue, both sides emphasise restraint, with police aiming to contain protests and farmers asserting their democratic right to peaceful protest .