On Saturday, 26th October, Punjab farmers have announced to block 4 major highways at 1 pm today. Due to delays in lifting the paddy crop, farmers have intensified their protests and has announced to block 4 highways today starting at 1 pm. This action is taken by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Kisan Joint Non-Political Forum as they aim to pressure both the state and central governments for the paddy crop issue.
List of highways to be blocked by farmers:
- Sangrur Highway
- Moga Highway
- Phagwara Highway
- Gurdaspur Highway
Farmers’ representatives and leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has expressed disappointment over government inaction despite assurances. According to Sarwan Singh Pandher’s recent meeting between the Food Supply Minister and stakeholders resulted in promises to dispatch inspection teams, but no action has yet been taken. This delay has caused considerable congestion in mandis, with farmers struggling to sustain their day-to-day needs after nearly a month of waiting.
Farmers have also noted that some of the rice mill owners have not proceeded with the paddy lifting due to issues with central policies on moisture content which is impacting their operational requirements. They have requested concessions but claim the government’s response has been slow.
These blocked highways will impact the transportation and cause significant travel delays in these areas. Leaders have warned that the protest will continue until their demands for an efficient and timely paddy lifting process are met.
Authorities have yet to respond publicly on this issue, but these highways being blocked reflects the farmers’ intent to keep pressuring for their demands.