Chandigarh: Five-day farmers’ protest begins at Sector 34 Carnival Ground
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 1
From liquor vends to famous market places, farmers reaching the protest site at Sector 34 Carnival Ground, which is in the middle of the city, are exploring all nearby areas.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab reached here today to protest the failure of the Punjab Government to fulfil its promises. At sunset, while some prepared dinner on the road, the others rushed to the nearby liquor store to buy their favourite country-made liquor brands such as “Santra” and “Saunfi”.
“We are expecting a good business in the next five days. We have ordered a fresh stock of these two brands. They (protesting farmers) are asking for a full bottle, instead of a quarter, which usually remains in demand here,” said an elated employee of the nearby liquor vend.
Some farmers preferred a bottle of “McDowell’s” or “Royal General”. “Since we are in a city, we are going to have whiskey today. This won’t even last a day. We will be back to the countrymade liquor from tomorrow,” said a protester, who carried the flag of one of the protesting unions inside the liquor vend. “This is a very good site to hold a protest. There’s a market nearby to roam around, two carnivals to enjoy and more importantly, the public convenience, which are well-maintained,” said Bachitar Singh from Mansa.
The protesters have brought their vehicles, including cars and tractors, to ensure that their stay here over the next five days remains comfortable.
Under the banner of the BKU (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union (PKMU), the protesters have been allowed to stage a protest in the sector, which is an educational and business hub of the city. As per their plan, the farmers are expected to camp here for four days. On September 5, they are likely to hold a meeting to decide the future course of action.
In the evening, the protesting unions had earmarked their areas of stay by pitching tents. They have also brought their own LPG cylinders and modified trailers fitted with air-conditioners. Members of nearly 30 other unions, including the BKU (Rajewal), Kirti Kisan Union, BKU (Dakaunda) and BKU (Lakhowal), will arrive here on Monday and leave the same day.
“We just want the government to listen to our grievances and come up with a solution. We have no intention to trouble the public,” said Gurcharan.
Take alternative roads, say police
The UT police have stated that diversions/restrictions will be made on the roads leading to Sector 34. They have advised people to use alternative routes so that they do not get stuck in snarl-ups in the sector. The protest site witnesses a huge rush of students, businessmen, bank employees and government officials. The protesters have parked their vehicles on the road too.
Paramilitary Forces deployed in area
The police have made special arrangements to avoid any mishap and to control the protesting farmers. Special cameras have been installed to keep a strict vigil and the site has been barricaded. Paramilitary Forces, Chandigarh Home Guards and other personnel have also been deployed in the area.
