BATHINDA, June 20 -- Following a crackdown by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, two factions of the Bhartiya Kisan Unions - Ekta Ugrahan and Sidhupur - are trying to revive the farmer's movement, making Bathinda a hotbed of their activities.

Ever since the farmers were evicted from Shamhu and Khanauri border points in March, Ekta Ugrahan and Sidhupur have taken up causes like opposing a sewage pipeline, resisting land consolidation work, and demanding justice in the death of a suspected drug peddler allegedly in police custody.

Being a traditional hotbed for farmers' movements, the authorities have, so far, shown patience and tact in handling the union activists.

Ekta Ugrahan achieved success on Tuesday when the Bathinda district a...