Patiala: Tensions escalated in the Indian state of Punjab after police detained prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border last night.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Dallewal was scheduled to begin an indefinite fast to press for farmers’ demands but was taken into custody while sleeping in a makeshift shelter near the border.

Following his detention, Dallewal was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H) for a medical check-up. Despite being under strict observation, he refused to eat or drink, continuing his protest in detention.

The operation, involving 200 police personnel from Patiala and Sangrur districts, was carried out with precision. A senior police official stated, “We avoided any confrontation with farmer union members by keeping the operation discreet. It was completed within 20 minutes without resistance.”

Dallewal’s detention sparked widespread outrage among farmers. Hundreds of activists affiliated with the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) gathered at the Khanauri border in protest, while many others were stopped by police en route to the site.

Prominent figures, including Fatehgarh Sahib MP Amar Singh, senior Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, and various trade and farmer unions, condemned the detention. Amidst the growing unrest, another farmer leader, Sukhjeet Singh Hardo Jhande, began an indefinite fast at the protest site, signaling that the agitation would continue despite Dallewal’s detention.

The situation remains tense as farmers demand justice and the immediate release of their leader.