Farmers, police personnel injured as tension escalates in Bathinda over land acquisition under Bharatmala project
Unrest began on Thursday when administrative officials, accompanied by a heavy police presence, took possession of the disputed land
PTC Web Desk: A tense standoff continues at Dunewala village in Punjab's Bathinda district as police and farmers clashed over the land acquisition under the Central Government’s Bharatmala project. The confrontation has left several police personnel injured, with three in critical condition, including a female cop. Farmers also sustained injuries during the altercation.
The unrest began on Thursday when administrative officials, accompanied by a heavy police presence, took possession of the disputed land, triggering outrage among the farming community. Farmers, demanding fair compensation for the acquired land, attempted to march toward the site but were stopped by barricades set up by the police.
To disperse the protesters, the police reportedly fired tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charges. Ambulances from various social organisations transported the injured to Bathinda’s Civil Hospital. Senior officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner, are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.
The Bathinda police, with reinforcements from across the state, facilitated the land acquisition earlier this week for the Bharatmala project, covering villages like Dunewala, Sangat Kalan, and Shergarh. According to the administration, all compensations have been settled, a claim disputed by farmer leaders.
Farmer leaders accused the authorities of using excessive force and preventing them from organising peaceful protests. Protesters were also stopped at Bathinda’s Ghanaiya Chowk, sparking allegations of high-handedness by the police.
Police officials, however, defended their actions, emphasising the need to maintain law and order. They assured that the barricades and security measures were temporary precautions to avoid large-scale disruptions.
Background on the dispute
The Bharatmala project, aimed at infrastructure development, has led to land acquisitions in several villages of Bathinda district. Farmers allege that adequate compensation for their land has not been provided, while the administration maintains that all payments have been made as per the agreement.