Bathinda-Zirakpur
4 February 2024
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a dramatic turn of events, hundreds of farmers and other activists have converged on the Bathinda-Zirakpur highway following the announcement by supporters of Bhana Sidhu to besiege the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Despite stringent police measures sealing off the entire city, Bhana’s supporters managed to break through barricades, blocking the national highway and causing significant traffic disruptions.
The announcement to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence in support of Bhana Sidhu’s release prompted a heightened police presence from outside districts. Authorities preemptively blocked all roads leading to Sangrur. Despite these efforts, Bhana’s supporters reached a point approximately one and a half kilometers from the Chief Minister’s residence, staging a dharna and intensifying their demand for Sidhu’s release.
The situation on the Bathinda-Zirakpur highway resulted in long queues of vehicles, causing inconvenience to commuters. The impromptu blockade reflects the growing tensions and the determination of the protesters to make their voices heard.
The call for Sidhu’s release has become a focal point for activists, drawing attention to the larger issues at play. The police response and the subsequent escalation of events underscore the urgency and depth of the sentiments driving the protest. As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how authorities will navigate the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting the right to peaceful dissent.