Farmers stage protests in Punjab, demand release of detained leaders
What's the story
Farmers from the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) have launched state-wide protests against the Punjab government.
This was in response to a police crackdown on peacefully protesting farmers.
The protesting farmers are demanding their detained counterparts be released, and compensation for damaged tractor-trailers.
They burnt effigies of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann as part of the demonstrations.
Widespread dissent
Protests span across 18 districts
The KMSC, which spearheaded the sit-in at Shambhu on the Haryana border, has said protests have now reached 551 villages in 18 districts.
KMSC president Sukhwinder Singh Sabhra said in a press release that the gatherings were in response to the Mann-led state government's actions.
He accused CM Bhagwant Mann of being a "puppet" of the central government and Arvind Kejriwal.
Allegations
Farmers accuse government of betrayal
Sabhra also accused the state government of backstabbing trust by arresting farmer leaders on March 19 and dispersing nationwide protests against the Centre.
He alleged that it was done through police brutality, lathi-charge, and destruction of property at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.
Farmers have announced a meeting between Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and SKM (non-political) to plan their next course of action against the Punjab government.
Ongoing demonstrations
Protests to continue at 50 sites
Farmer leaders have vowed to continue protests at 50 locations on 23 and 24 March.
Their demands include immediate release of arrested farmers and laborers, compensation for damage caused during the crackdown, and strict action against those responsible for thefts.
Police had recently removed protesters from Shambhu and Khanauri protest sites in an attempt to clear national highways NH52 and NH44.