Punjab minister calls farmer leaders meeting in Chandigarh today

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], March 21 (ANI): Two days after Punjab police cleared the Sambhu and Khanauri border and removed the temporary structures erected by the protesting farmers, state's Agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian called for meeting of leaders of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) in Chandigarh on Friday.
The meeting will be held in Punjab Bhawan at 4 PM on Friday, according to the notice released by the agriculture department on March 20.
Earlier on March 20, Punjab police DIG Mandeep Singh mentioned that things like moveable tractors and trolleys were removed from the border and are being relocated a few kilometres away.
He also highlighted the cooperation of farmers during the operation and emphasized that authorities are ensuring the well-being of those detained.
"A large area has been cleared at the Khanauri border and movable things like tractors and trolleys are being shifted 3 km away from the border. If someone wants to take the trolley from there, he can show his identity with proof and the trolley will be handed over to him after proper entry. Yesterday, the farmers cooperated with us. Proper care is being taken of the detained farmers," DIG Patiala Range said.
The farmers, united under the banners of the All India Kisan Sabha and Bharatiya Kisan Union, staged a protest march to the residence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Karnal.
Several farmer leaders including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on an indefinite fast and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher were detained by the Police.
Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has defended the Aam Aadmi Party-led government's action and said that the action was taken as they wanted to open the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema slammed the central government on Thursday, accusing it of 'committing injustice' against farmers by failing to implement the promises it had made after Punjab Police forcefully removed protesting farmers.
Speaking to ANI, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema said, "...They (farmers) had to start the agitation because the demands that you (central govt) had accepted were not implemented." (ANI)