SKM farmers’ protest at Chandigarh border; Police use tear gas, lathi charge
Babushhai Bureau
Chandigarh/Mohali, May 15: Tension flared at the Chandigarh–Mohali border on Friday after farmers affiliated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) attempted to march towards Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh, protesting against what they described as the Centre’s “anti-Punjab policies” and pending agricultural demands.
Thousands of farmers from 32 unions gathered near Amb Sahib Gurdwara in Mohali before proceeding towards Chandigarh to submit a memorandum to the Union Territory Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. However, police stopped the march at border barricades, triggering clashes between protesters and security personnel.
As tensions escalated, Chandigarh Police used water cannons, tear gas shells, and lathi-charge after demonstrators allegedly tried to breach multiple security barricade.
Authorities sealed all major entry points into Chandigarh from Punjab and deployed heavy security to prevent further escalation.
Traffic movement was disrupted in several areas, particularly near the Punjab School Education Board road and Matour barrier, as vehicles were diverted. However, police said movement remained normal on most other routes.