• Source:JND
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Farmer leader Sarvan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sanghrash Committee-Punjab on Friday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, demanding compensation for damages suffered during farmers' protests. Pandher, who was released from Muktsar Sahib jail today, condemned the state administration for allegedly weakening the farmers’ movement.

Speaking to the media, Pandher reiterated the farmers' commitment to their cause, stating, “Our movement will continue.” He questioned the Punjab government’s actions against the protesters, stating that losses due to damage to tents and tractors should be compensated.

On March 19, several farmer leaders, including Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on an indefinite fast, were detained by the Punjab Police. However, in a recent move, the Punjab government decided to release 450 more farmers from custody.

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Amid tensions, farmer leaders refused to engage with the state government. Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal and Samyukt Kisan Morcha leader Raminder Singh declined an invitation for talks, announcing a protest at district headquarters on March 28. They accused the government of repression and using excessive force against demonstrators.

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Two days after the Punjab police dismantled protest sites at Sambhu and Khanauri borders, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian invited farmers for discussions in Chandigarh. However, Lakhowal stated, “We were removed illegally, and many are still jailed. We will not attend this meeting but will hold protests on March 28 instead.”