Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Tuesday began an indefinite protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, pressing for several key demands, including the cancellation of old water-sharing agreements and waiver of farmers' debts. The agitation will continue until September 7 and is expected to impact traffic movement in the area.
As part of the protest, farmers will partially block one side of the road connecting Sectors 48-49 to Chandigarh International Airport, potentially causing disruptions for commuters and air travelers.
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said this is the first major demonstration by the SKM at the Chandigarh border. The round-the-clock protest camp will serve as a platform to highlight various issues affecting the farming community, with daily discussions and awareness sessions planned throughout the agitation.
Rajewal said he would arrive in Chandigarh on Tuesday morning before formally launching the permanent protest camp at the border. He emphasized that concerns related to water rights and mounting farm debt would remain at the center of the movement.
Among the key demands, farmers are seeking the cancellation of existing water-related agreements, which they claim are detrimental to Punjab's interests. The SKM also intends to intensify pressure on the government to address long-pending issues related to agricultural debt and farmers' welfare.
Farm leaders clarified that they remain open to dialogue and are willing to hold talks if invited by the government. However, they stressed that the protest would continue until meaningful discussions and concrete action are initiated.
Preparations for the week-long agitation have already been completed. Farmers arriving at the protest site will bring essential supplies, including provisions for community kitchens (langars), which will operate at the venue to provide food to participants throughout the day and night.
SKM has stated that the protest will remain peaceful and organized. However, commuters travelling through the Chandigarh-Mohali border region and nearby routes may face inconvenience due to traffic diversions and road congestion during the course of the agitation.
Farm leaders reiterated that the protest will continue until the government seriously engages with their demands and takes steps toward a resolution.
