Following a nationwide call by farmers' unions to seek the repeal of three Central farm laws, hundreds of farmers have blocked major highways today, including National Highway 1
which connects Delhi with parts of Haryana and Punjab.
Farmers, farm labourers, commission agents, trade and employee unions, and political party activists have camped on national highways, causing traffic disruptions across states.
In both Punjab and Haryana, protesting farmers parked their tractors on highways and important link roads. Heavy police presence could be seen at various places to maintain law and order
given the protest by farmers.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has issued instructions to allow emergency services and anyone in need of medical treatment to pass.
Meanwhile, Protesting farmers have blocked the rail track in Barnala, as well as the highways leading to the town, since 6 a.m., and the markets have been closed. “We have blocked
10 roads in the district,” Balwant Singh Uppli, press secretary of the Bharti Kisan Union, Dakaunda, stated. " We condemn the black laws," he added.
Sangrur-Patiala, Sangrur-Ludhiana, and Sangrur-Bathinda highways are all blocked by farmers.
Long-distance train passengers, who are stranded at Ahmedgarh are among the worst affected. Activists from social organisations, on the other hand, hold a medical assistance camp and
langar for them.
Also Read: Hundreds of farmers block highways in Punjab, Haryana
Farmers have blocked the Sirsa-Mansa route and the Bathinda-Patiala road. Near the Passiana police station, farmers have also blocked the Chandigarh-Bathinda national highway.
Protesting farmers blocked vehicle traffic on the Chandigarh-Pathankot route in Mangarh. Volunteers from BKU Dakaunda have closed the Punjabi University's gate in Patiala. Roads
in Tanda Urmur are also blocked.
The police diverted traffic at several places as the farmers blocked the highways.
Chandigarh:
- The 66KV light point, Khuda Lahora bridge, Dhanas bridge, tubewell turn in Sector 25, T-point at Dhanas Lake and PGIMER Chowk will all have traffic diversions heading to the Mullanpur barrier.
- From Tribune Chowk, commuters heading to the Hallomajra light point would be routed to Kalibari light point.
- At Poultry Farm Chowk, traffic from the Industrial Area Phases 1 and 2 will be directed to Tribune Chowk.
- The route from Panchkula to the Hallomajra light point will be rerouted to Baltana village near the Raipur Kalan barrier and to the Makhan Majra turn to the airport light point.