4-hour blockade by farmers leaves hundreds stranded

The four-hour-long Chakka Jam by farmers, affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), left hundreds of commuters stranded across the district and neighbouring towns. The SKM activists observed protest in front of main markets from 11 am to 3 pm.

Farmer protest not only caused traffic jams, but also left scores of commuters stranded on the roads.

Students, studying in various educational institutions in the city, who were returning home during the weekend, were among the worst hit. Many of them were not aware about the protest and were caught off guard.

It was only when they reached the bus stand that they learnt about the protest. Those who were aware skipped the classes and left the institutes, while those who got late had to wait till the evening.

The closure of roads and highways led to heavy traffic jam on village roads and other alternative routes, falling along the highways. Besides, the roadblock during the day led to passenger flow at new bus terminus as anxious passengers were seen jostling to catch the bus.

Several stranded passengers were seen opting for ride sharing applications to reach the destination.

The protesting farmers had blocked both the Rajpura-Patiala highway and the Sirhind-Patiala Road for nearly four hours, leaving serpentine queues on either side of the road.

Prem Singh Bhangu, president, All-India Kisan Federation, who participated in the road block at Rajpura, said that the Centre was being inimical to Punjab and farmers. He added that the Central Government, in connivance with the Punjab Government, was intending to hand over the administration of agriculture to corporates.

He said that claims made by the government of smooth procurement and lifting were proving to be a hoax. He also slammed the government for not providing DAP fertiliser to farmers as the wheat sowing season will start from November 1. “If the situation does not improve, we will gherao all DC offices from 11 am to 3 pm,” he said.