Sangrur (Punjab) [India], March 20 (ANI): After the Punjab Police removed the protesting farmers at Khanauri Border, Patiala Range Deputy Inspector General on Thursday assured that significant progress had been made in clearing the area.

Speaking to ANI, DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu revealed that movable items like tractors and trolleys are being relocated three kilometres away from the border.

He also highlighted the cooperation of farmers during the operation and emphasized that authorities are ensuring the well-being of those detained.

'A large area has been cleared at the Khanauri border and movable things like tractors and trolleys are being shifted 3 km away from the border. If someone wants to take the trolley from there, he can show his identity with proof and the trolley will be handed over to him after proper entry. Yesterday, the farmers cooperated with us. Proper care is being taken of the detained farmers,' DIG Patiala Range said.

Earlier today, farmers united under the banners of the All India Kisan Sabha and Bharatiya Kisan Union, staged a protest march to the residence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Karnal.

This came after Punjab Police on Wednesday removed farmers from the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border and Khanauri Border in Punjab who were protesting over various demands.

Police also removed temporary structures erected by farmers at the protest site.

Several farmer leaders including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on an indefinite fast and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher were detained by the Police.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the Aam Aadmi Government's action and said that the action was taken as they wanted to open the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Speaking to ANI, Cheema asserted that the farmers should stage a protest in Delhi or somewhere else as their demands are against the Central government.

'The AAP government and the people of Punjab stood with the farmers when they protested against the three black laws. The demands of the farmers are against the Central government. It has been more than a year and the Shambhu and Khanauri borders are closed. The traders, youths of Punjab are very upset. When the traders will do business, the youth will get employment and they will stay away from drugs,' he said.

'Today's action has been taken because we want the youth of Punjab to get employment. We want to open Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The demands of the farmers are against the Central government and they should stage a protest in Delhi or somewhere else but should not block the roads of Punjab,' Harpal Cheema said. (ANI)