The ongoing Farmers Protest 2.0, which again kickstarted in February, has now resulted in frustration for the Punjab traders. Fed up with the disruption in their business, businessmen have warned farmers that if the strike is not lifted from Shambhu within 10 days, they will declare a Punjab Bandh against them.
Four years ago, traders and businessmen used to support the farmers in every struggle in Punjab, but now they are fed up with the farmers' protests. The businessmen who provided moral and financial support to the farmers have now started raising their voice against them.
After Barnala, Bhadaur and Sangrur, the spark of anger in businessmen against farmers has reached Ludhiana. State General Secretary of Punjab State Trade Board in Ludhiana, Sunil Mehra said that under the guise of farmers' movement, some organizations are working to derail Punjab. He also said that every business in the state is being affected due to the farmers' strike. If the problem is not resolved in ten days, then a meeting will be held and Punjab Bandh will be called.
Talking to the True Scoop, Sunil Mehra also said that seeing the current situation of Punjab, the foreign traders are hesitant to come here to do business. Not only this, several traders are blacklisting Punjabi units due to non-deliver of goods at time. Transport has been hampered due to the farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border. “Punjab exports and imports have declined and foreign traders are refusing payments and investments in light of the situation that has brewed in Punjab. When foreign traders think about coming to Punjab, their families would point out “don’t go to Punjab, its not safe there”” Sunil said.
Sunil said that farmers and traders are the backbone of Punjab. Farmers cannot exist without the traders while traders cannot exist without the farmers. The protests have severely damaged Punjab’s GDP which has dropped below UP and Haryana.
Businesses across Punjab have been facing losses worth nearly 25-40 crores every day. Sunil said that the traders have implored Bhagwant Mann to hold a meeting to address the issues of Punjab. “They publically say that they are ready, but it is just ‘political stuntbaazi’. The previous government used to convene with all the traders, while the current government just talks to some sycophants and say that it is done and discussion have taken place” he said.
He further explained that the Centre government is at odds with the Punjab Government which furterh exacerbates the problem. The centre had sent relief packages to states like UP, and Himachal Pradesh but not to Punjab. The dispute between the State government and Central government has hampered development in the state as Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal keep debating with the government. Politics and development need to be addressed separately, and the government’s focus on politics is severely affecting development, according to Sunil Mehra.
When asked whether the traders have been talking to the farmers for a truce, he said that numerous meetings have been held. Farmers have been saying that traders have their full support, but renege on their word when dealing with political figures. Sunil Mehra said, “The farmers should focus on the development aspect and keep the politics aside. Sure, you should protest and speak up against the politicians. But why are you blocking routes and damaging our businesses.”
Traders across the state are finding it difficult to do their business. The trade organizations warned that if no action is taken against the farmers who are committing hooliganism under the guise of farmers' organizations, then they will start a movement of their own along with the trade organizations from across Punjab.
Frustrated with the disruption in their business, businessmen have warned farmers that if the strike is not lifted from Shambhu within 10 days, they will declare a Punjab Bandh against them.