Such scenes raise serious questions about the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. Instead of dialogue, compassion, and democratic space, the image shows uniformed officers overpowering individuals who appear vulnerable and unarmed. For a society that claims to respect its farmers, these images contradict the values of dignity and justice. They highlight a widening gap between the state and its people, especially those who stand at the frontline of India’s agricultural backbone.
This moment is symbolic of a larger crisis. Farmers protesting for their rights are not enemies of the state; they are citizens seeking fair policies, security, and respect. When elderly farmers are met with batons instead of listening ears, it signals a worrying shift in governance—one that prioritises control over compassion. Images like this serve as a reminder that democracy weakens when dissent is handled with force instead of understanding.
Ultimately, this photograph is more than an incident—it is a call for accountability, humanity, and immediate course correction. Punjab, known for its proud agrarian heritage, must not become a place where farmers fear their own police. Authorities must recognise that the strength of a government lies not in suppressing its people, but in standing with them during times of distress.