Crackdown on farmers: AAP in damage control, defends cops' action amid criticism

Facing intense criticism over the crackdown on farmers, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has gone into damage control, with all party leaders defending the police action against protesting farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri border points.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Targeting the Congress party and accusing it of instigating protests, the AAP leaders cited economic losses due to the prolonged agitation but claimed that the AAP was the only well-wisher of farmers. AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang stated that the year-long blockade of Punjab's borders had severely impacted the state's economy, leading to reduced investments, declining tourism, and industrial slowdown.

Kang said the closure of roads affected religious tourism, particularly reducing the number of devotees visiting Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple). He also emphasized that the biggest challenge was the lack of investments, which directly impacted employment opportunities.