Patiala/Sangrur, Sept. 27 -- The state saw the probably first arrest for stubble burning on Friday with the Sangrur police taking action against a resident of Banarsi village near Khanauri, drawing a sharp reaction from leaders of farmer unions who said they would announce a protest soon. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called a meeting in Ludhiana on Saturday to decide the next course of action.

Notably, the police action comes a few days after the Supreme Court (SC) asked the Punjab government why errant farmers should not be arrested for burning stubble. During a hearing on September 17, the top court had suggested the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider introducing penal provisions to hold violators accountab...