Delhi-Amritsar National Highway blocked near Pipli Zoo

Kurukshetra, October 5

Farmers and commission agents blocked the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway-44 near Pipli Zoo this afternoon, demanding smooth procurement of paddy.

The traffic was diverted through alternative routes but heavy vehicles and roadways buses remained stuck on the highway. Ladwa SDM Anubhav Mehta reached the spot and tried to pacify the farmers but the latter refused to lift the blockade.

Farmer leader Amrik Singh said, “The government has been misguiding everyone by claiming that it has started procurement but only formality is being done in the name of procurement. We brought dry produce at the grain market but it was not procured timely and got drenched after it rained. Now, who is responsible for the loss?”

The farmers finally lifted their blockade around 8.20 pm after the assurance of smooth procurement by the administration. Farmer leader Amrik Singh said, “The administration has informed that the rice millers have agreed to start working from Wednesday and the administration will ensure smooth procurement and lifting.” — TNS