Shambhu protest: Farmers welcome Supreme Court order on partial opening of NH-44

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 12

The protesting farmers camping at Shambhu border since February 13, when their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march was halted, have welcomed the directions of the Supreme Court for the partial opening of National Highway-44 near Shambhu. The farmer leaders said the order had paved the way for them to proceed towards the national capital.

The reaction came after the Supreme Court, on Monday, ordered the DGPs of Punjab and Haryana, along with the DCs and SSPs of Patiala and Ambala, to hold a meeting within a week for the partial opening of the Shambhu border where farmers have been camping since February.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the joint forum Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Ekta Morcha, said they had received a report from the media about the partial opening of the highway.

“We welcome the directions of the apex court. However, we have yet to receive the details. We have called a meeting of the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) — to decide our future course of action,” Pandher said.

The highway has been closed for public transport, which has not only thrown normal life out of gear, but also has adversely affected the business and industry.

“The decision will provide respite not only to traders, transporters, businessmen and commuters, but also to the farmers. We will be able to reach Delhi and register our protest,” he stated.

The blockade on the main highway has been an ordeal for commuters. It has also adversely hit businesses. Many eateries and other establishments around the protest site have been closed.

The daily commuters are the worst hit. Not only has it increased the travel time, but also the commuters have to make a long detour — either from Patiala or Zirakpur to reach NH-44. This includes bumpy rides through broken roads that often results in the frequent breakdown of vehicles and also leads to long traffic jams.