National/Punjab Desk
25 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In response to the call of the United Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers across Punjab held road blockades today, protesting delays and obstacles in paddy procurement. The four-hour road blockade halted traffic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., impacting national and link roads at around 150 locations across the state. Commuters faced long delays, with many essential workers and travelers stranded in traffic jams.
The blockades will continue with planned protests in Moga, Sangrur, Phagwara, and Batala on Saturday, organized by the United Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). The action follows a recent meeting between Punjab’s Chief Minister and SKM leaders on October 19, where the state government had been granted four days to address the issue.
Farmer leaders voiced their frustration, warning that if paddy procurement issues aren’t addressed urgently, they will march to Deputy Commissioners’ offices on October 29. They held both the Punjab government and the central government accountable, urging them to set aside political conflicts and prioritize the welfare of farmers.
During the protests, speakers demanded immediate measures against fertilizer black marketing and the prompt distribution of DAP fertilizers. They also called for relief through Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Basmati rice. Key roads in Ambala-Chandigarh, Jalandhar-Amritsar, Patiala-Sirhind, and numerous other districts were heavily affected by these blockades.