BackPOLITICS
Police use water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesting farmers at Mohali-Chandigarh border
Farmers from across Punjab gathered in Mohali under the Samyukt Kissan Morcha to march toward Lok Bhavan, demanding MSP guarantees, river-water rights, and repeal of certain provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act. When protesters reached the Mohali-Chandigarh border and allegedly breached barricades, police used water cannons and tear gas, detaining several demonstrators. SKM leaders and protesters reported injuries, and a protester criticized the denial of handing a memorandum to the Governor.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over farm policies, water rights, and central legislation affecting Punjab, reflecting broader disputes between protesters and authorities over agricultural and water governance.
Timeline
1 Event
Police disperse protesting farmers at Mohali-Chandigarh border using water cannons and tear gas
May 15, 2026
Farmers from across Punjab assembled in Mohali under the Samyukt Kissan Morcha to march toward Lok Bhavan. As they reached the Mohali-Chandigarh border and reportedly jumped barricades, police used water cannons and tear gas to stop them at the Mohali border and detained several protesters. SKM leaders, including Joginder Singh Ugrahan, said some farmers were injured. A woman protester said Chandigarh is Punjab's capital, but they were prevented from handing a memorandum to the Governor. The farmers demanded resolution of river waters based on the riparian-basin principle, repeal of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, repeal of the Dam Safety Act and Water Amendment Act 2024, and urged cancellation of a proposed anti-agriculture free trade agreement with the United States. They also alleged moves to end Punjab's permanent Bhakra Beas Management Board membership through changes to the board's rules.