PHAGWARA: Members of the Bharti Kisan Union (Doaba), led by State President Manjit Singh Rai and State General Secretary Satnam Singh Sahni, convened a meeting at Gurudwara Sukhchiana Sahib in Phagwara, Kapurthala district, to discuss recent concerns raised by farmer groups, including an incident involving Punjab Police and ongoing payment issues with a local sugar mill.
During the meeting, union leaders expressed concern over a reported police action that took place on March 19, 2025, at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, where several farmers were allegedly injured during a protest. The incident, according to BKU (Doaba), involved members of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. One of those reportedly injured was Balwant Singh Behramke, a senior leader of KMM.
BKU (Doaba) leaders called for a transparent inquiry and appropriate legal action, specifically naming SHO Harpreet Singh of Shambhu Police Station. They urged authorities to review the matter with sensitivity and accountability. These demands align with calls from SKM(NP) and KMM, who have announced a peaceful protest outside Shambhu Police Station on May 6.
As a mark of solidarity, BKU (Doaba) plans to send representatives from each of its local circles. The union stated that 2–3 vehicles from each circle, carrying 10–15 members, will assemble at Ladowal Toll Plaza, Ludhiana, by 7:00 AM on the day of the protest, before proceeding together to the demonstration site. A group of 8–10 activists from Phagwara, led by Satnam Singh Sahni, is also expected to participate.
The meeting also highlighted long-standing financial grievances concerning Golden Sandhar Sugar Mill in Phagwara, which farmers allege has not paid sugarcane dues amounting to approximately ₹24–25 crore from the 2020–21 season and an additional ₹20 crore for the current season. Union leaders stated that they would seek dialogue with other farmer organizations after the May 6 protest to consider a coordinated response, which may include peaceful demonstrations.
The BKU (Doaba) leadership reiterated its commitment to non-violent advocacy and lawful protest, urging the government and relevant stakeholders to address farmers’ concerns in a timely and constructive manner.The Kangra Police reiterated its commitment to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the district. SSP Agnihotri urged citizens and social media users not to spread unverified or misleading information, emphasizing the importance of police verification before circulating such posts.