Chandigarh: Five-day protest of farmers begins at Carnival Ground
Chandigarh: From liquor shops to famous markets, farmers who have reached the protest site at Sector 34 Carnival Ground in the heart of the city are visiting nearby areas. Thousands of farmers from Punjab reached here today to protest against the Punjab government’s failure to fulfil its promises. At sunset, some farmers were cooking food on the road itself, while others rushed to a nearby liquor shop to buy their favourite country liquor brands like “Santra” and “Saunfi”. “We expect good business in the next five days. We have ordered new stock of both these brands. They (protesting farmers) are asking for full bottles instead of quarters, which is usually in demand here,” said an employee of a nearby liquor shop. Some farmers preferred a bottle of “McDowell” or “Royal General”. “Since we are in the city, we are going to drink whisky today. This won’t last even a day. We will be back to country liquor from tomorrow,” said a protester carrying a flag of one of the protesting unions inside the liquor shop.
“This is a very good place to protest. There is a market nearby to visit, two carnivals to enjoy and most importantly, public amenities, which are well maintained,” said Bachiter Singh from Mansa. The protesters have brought their vehicles, including cars and tractors, to ensure that their stay for the next five days is comfortable. The protesters, under the banner of BKU (Ugrahan) and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union (PKMU), have been given permission to protest in the sector, which is an educational and commercial hub of the city. As per their plan, the farmers are expected to camp here for four days. On September 5, they are likely to hold a meeting to decide the future course of action. In the evening, the protesting unions had marked their areas of stay by putting up tents. They have also brought their LPG cylinders and modified trailers fitted with air conditioners.
Members of around 30 other unions, including BKU (Rajewal), Kirti Kisan Union, BKU (Dakaunda) and BKU (Lakhowal), on Monday They will reach here and go back the same day. Gurcharan said, “We want the government to listen to our grievances and find a solution. We have no intention to trouble the public.” Police said, use alternative roads The UT police has said that diversions/restrictions will be put in place on the roads leading to Sector 34. They have advised people to use alternative routes so that they do not get stuck in the jam in the sector. A huge crowd of students, traders, bank employees and government officials was seen at the protest site. The protesters have also parked their vehicles on the road. Paramilitary forces deployed in the area The police have made special arrangements to avoid any accident and control the protesting farmers. Special cameras have been installed to keep a strict vigil and barricading has been done at the spot. Paramilitary forces, Chandigarh Home Guards and other personnel have also been deployed in the area.
