Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Farmers from Punjab began their march from Mohali towards Chandigarh on Monday under the leadership of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The protesters moved from the Fortis Hospital area towards Burail Jail, aiming to reach Sector 17 through a combination of tractor rallies and foot marches.
Chandigarh Police has sealed key entry routes and border points around the city to prevent any disruption to law and order. Farmers have warned that if they are stopped from proceeding further, they will set up a permanent protest site at the spot and launch an indefinite agitation.
Senior officials from both Mohali and Chandigarh police are currently engaged in discussions with farmer leaders in an attempt to defuse the situation. Dallewal said he could not leave farmers standing in the scorching heat to attend a meeting and insisted that arrangements for the protesters be made first before any formal talks take place.
The protest is being held under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). Farmers allege that banks collect signed cheques while sanctioning loans but often fail to return them even after borrowers repay their debts. According to the protesters, this practice has led to financial distress, loss of agricultural land, and, in some cases, farmer suicides.
The farmers were attempting to move towards government offices in Sector 17 to press their demands. Meanwhile, police officials are trying to facilitate a meeting between the protesters and concerned authorities to resolve the issue peacefully.
With tensions rising, Punjab Police and Chandigarh Police have increased security deployment in the area and are closely monitoring the evolving situation.
