Punjab Farmers Protest: While people of Punjab and other parts of India are enjoying the Dussehra Holiday on Saturday, it became a long weekend as a day after Vijaydashmi, there is Sunday. Hence, many might have been planning to go for an outing with their friends, family or loved ones to enjoy the holiday. However, the people of Punjab must plan carefully before going out on Sunday. Notably, roads will be blocked on Sunday in Punjab between 12 pm to 3 pm. The reason is farmers protest.
As per reports, Samyukt Kisan Morcha Friday announced a statewide road blockade in Punjab on Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm to protest against an alleged delayed paddy procurement. SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal slammed both the Central and state governments for the delayed procurement of paddy.
"Be it the Centre or Punjab governments, both are to be blamed... they are not ready to resolve the issue," Rajewal was quoted by a newswire, adding, "We have decided to block roads across the state on October 13 from 12 to 3 pm. Our appeal to the people of Punjab is that while we did not wish to take such a step, we have been compelled to do so.".
It is pertinent to mention here that road blockades are expected to be intense from 12 pm to 3 pm as rice millers and the commission agents of the state have joined hands with the farmers' body in the protest.
As per Times of India, Ravinder Singh Cheema, president of the Punjab Arhtiyas’ Association stated that the purchase of paddy had come to a halt in grain markets as space was fast running out. “The majority of the rice millers have still not agreed to accept the stocks, which has brought lifting of procured paddy to a halt. It will have an impact on the arthiyas and farmers and that is why a joint meeting was held.”