Chandigarh, In a significant escalation of measures against the farmers’ protest, Haryana police have announced the initiation of processes to cancel the passports and visas of individuals involved in disruptions at the Punjab border. This action targets those accused of breaking barricades or causing disturbances during the ongoing agitation, which has seen farmers, predominantly from Punjab, protesting against various issues since February 13.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests have been concentrated at the Khanauri and Shambhu points along the Punjab-Haryana border, with farmers deliberating on whether to proceed towards Delhi. This development comes after a pause in their march towards the Indian capital, reflecting the intensifying standoff between the authorities and the agricultural community.

DSP Ambala, Joginder Sharma, in a statement to the media, indicated that the identification process of the involved individuals is underway, leveraging surveillance footage from CCTV and drone cameras. The police plan to request the Indian Ministry and embassy to cancel the visas and passports of the identified protesters, submitting detailed information including photographs, names, and addresses to the passport office.

Further reports from the Indian Express highlight actions against what one officer referred to as ‘rowdies’ who traveled from Punjab to Haryana amid the farmer protests. Additionally, leaders of Haryana farmer unions reported receiving notices from the state police, warning of intentions to ‘recover’ damages incurred to public and private properties during the agitation. These notices also mentioned the potential seizure of farmers’ assets and the freezing of their bank accounts, marking a severe approach to quell the protests.

The move by Haryana police has sparked concerns over the rights to protest and freedom of movement, with implications for the ongoing farmers’ agitation that has drawn attention from across the nation.