Farmer protests in Punjab: Road traffic blocked as farmers push for key demands
PTC News Desk: In Punjab, the United Farmers' Front has initiated a widespread blockade of roads across the state, leading to significant disruptions in traffic. This protest comes after a decision made during a recent meeting in Chandigarh, where the farmers declared their intention to halt traffic in various locations, including a major blockade planned for Jalandhar.
Farmers have specifically targeted major highways for their protests. The Jalandhar-Ludhiana Highway at Dhannowali and the Jalandhar-Pathankot Highway near Bhogpur are expected to experience the largest traffic jams. Local police forces from both Jalandhar city and the surrounding areas are on high alert to manage the situation and maintain order during the protests.
The planned blockade is set to last for three hours today, Sunday, with leaders of the United Kisan Morcha, such as Balveer Singh Rajewal, urging participants to remain peaceful while voicing their demands.
In response to the protests, Minister Kataruchak emphasized the state government's commitment to purchasing all the paddy brought by farmers to the markets. He assured that the government has made adequate arrangements to facilitate this process, which has proven successful thus far.
As of the current agricultural season of 2023-24, state agencies have procured approximately 185 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Minister Kataruchak noted that payments have already been transferred to the accounts of most farmers, with around ₹39,400 crore disbursed directly to them. He reassured that the remaining payments would be completed shortly.
As the farmer protests continue to unfold across Punjab, tensions between the agricultural community and government officials remain high. The farmers are determined to make their voices heard, demanding action and accountability from the state regarding their agricultural concerns.
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