Chanait’s Sit-In Protest Enters Day 42; Talks with CM End Without Breakthrough

June 26, 2026

Hansi: The protest by villagers in Hansi’s Chanait village, demanding a T-connection to the Bhakra pipeline, continued for the 42nd day on Friday. The protest gained further strength after Thursday’s talks with the Chief Minister proved inconclusive. On Friday, various panchayats and social organizations reached the protest site to support the villagers’ struggle.

Officials and members of the Pagdi Sambhal Jatta organization arrived at the protest site to support the movement. Meanwhile, the Panchayat and a large number of villagers from Gheekada, the village of Somesh Sharma, who mediated during the installation of the T-connection, also arrived at the protest site. The Gheekada Panchayat apologized to the villagers of Chanait from the stage.

Gheekada Panchayat apologized to the villagers

The Panchayat stated that the entire village was facing embarrassment due to one person’s mistake. They stated that the entire village was hurt by Somesh Sharma’s actions, and that is why the Panchayat personally visited the protest site and apologized to the villagers of Chanait.

To make the movement more organized, the Dharna Committee has been expanded. Five strikers have been added to the committee, which previously consisted of 11 and 21 members, bringing the total to 37. Its purpose is to make all decisions related to the movement collectively.

Villagers said – no alternative proposal is acceptable

A meeting of the villagers was also held on Friday morning. It was unanimously decided that any alternative proposal other than a T-connection to the Bhakra pipeline would not be acceptable to the villagers. The Panchayat clarified that the agitation would continue until their core demand was met.

Meanwhile, the police administration remained fully alert in view of the protest. Police forces were deployed on the main roads leading to Chanait village. Police established checkpoints on the roads leading from Ghirai and Mahjat, attempting to stop people from approaching the protest site. However, after protests from the villagers, the police allowed people to proceed to the protest site.

Background: Why the Chanait protest began