Chandigarh | April 22, 2025
A growing chorus of academics, human rights activists, and civil society leaders has urged the Punjab Chief Minister to take immediate action against police personnel accused of torturing women farm activists and teachers. The women, affiliated with the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) farmers’ union, were reportedly targeted during their support for agitating government teachers demanding regularization of their jobs.
The allegations include physical abuse, harassment, and wrongful detention of women during a peaceful protest. Eyewitness accounts and activists claim that law enforcement used excessive force to disperse the demonstrators and mishandled female protestors—raising serious concerns over human rights violations.
In a strongly worded letter to the CM, the coalition of rights defenders demanded:
- An independent inquiry into the alleged misconduct
- Suspension of the involved police personnel
- Assurance of protection for women activists participating in peaceful demonstrations
The incident has triggered outrage across Punjab’s academic and activist circles, with many calling it a blow to democratic protest and women’s safety.
Public Reaction
Social media is witnessing growing calls for justice under the hashtags #JusticeForWomenActivists and #StopPoliceBrutality. Several student unions and teachers’ associations have also expressed solidarity.