Punjab farmers’ protest: Four highways closed, commuters struggling with traffic chaos

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers in Punjab, frustrated by the lack of paddy lifting, have permanently closed four highways as part of their protest, which began today (Saturday) at 1 PM. They have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are addressed. The farmers feel that both the central and state governments are ignoring their concerns. 

Sarvan Singh Pandher, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Kisan Sanyukt Morcha Non (Political) Joint Forum, confirmed that the highways blocked include Badrukhan Sangrur, Dagru Moga, Phagwara Kapurthala, and Sathiyali Pul Gurdaspur. Pandher mentioned that a meeting with the Food Supply Minister had taken place, where shellers expressed their concerns about the low yield of rice from paddy. They requested an additional discount of 2-3 kg per quintal.

Although the Centre promised to send teams to address the situation, these teams have yet to arrive, and the shellers are still not lifting the paddy. The farmers have been waiting in the mandis for 26 days and are struggling to make ends meet, urging the Punjab government to expedite the lifting of paddy.