Chandigarh has become the epicenter of the latest farmers’ protest as thousands rally for urgent agricultural reforms, marking a dramatic escalation in their long-standing struggle for policy changes. Starting Sunday, the Sector-34 Dussehra Ground has transformed into a hub of activity, with farmers from across Punjab converging to voice their grievances. Their demands are clear — the implementation of a comprehensive agriculture policy, promotion of chemical-free crops, and substantial measures to combat the escalating drug problem in the State.
The protest, organized by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, has attracted widespread attention with its sheer scale and intensity. Farmers have traveled in buses, tractor-trolleys, and personal vehicles, bringing with them essential supplies and setting up temporary kitchens to sustain themselves throughout the five-day demonstration. This mobilization reflected their deep frustration with the Punjab Government’s inaction, despite promises made over two years ago when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) assumed power in the state.
The protestors’ primary concern is the delayed implementation of a robust agriculture policy. Despite assurances from the AAP Government, the promised reforms have yet to materialize, leaving farmers disillusioned. The lack of progress on this front has exacerbated existing challenges within the agricultural sector, prompting this large-scale protest. Farmers argued that the government’s failure to act on the committee’s recommendations, submitted last October, has hindered their livelihoods and well-being.
In addition to their demands for policy reform, the farmers are calling for the promotion of chemical-free crop cultivation. They believed that such measures are crucial for both environmental sustainability and public health. Furthermore, the protestors are seeking compensation for the families of farmers who have committed suicide due to economic distress — the demands underscoring the dire situation faced by many in the agricultural community, who have been driven to extreme measures as a result of financial pressures.
The protest also highlighted the urgent need to address the growing drug problem in Punjab, which has become a significant concern for rural communities. The farmers are pressing for stronger actions to combat drug abuse, which they see as a critical issue affecting the health and stability of their communities.
Farmers to March Towards Vidhan Sabha Today
As the Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s three-day monsoon session set to begin from Monday, the timing of the protest is strategically significant. Farmers plan to march towards the assembly, where they will present a memorandum of their demands to the Chief Minister and the opposition leaders. The move is intended to ensure that their concerns are addressed during the legislative session, amplifying their message at a crucial moment.
“The farmers will march towards the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Monday and hand over a memorandum of their demands to the Chief Minister and opposition leaders,” said Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan.
Farmers' Strategy Meeting on Sept 5 Amidst Anticipation of Govt Response
Expecting that elected representatives will discuss agri issues during the monsoon session, farmers’ leaders are preparing for a decisive strategy meeting scheduled for September 5. The meeting will be pivotal as it will follow the submission of a comprehensive memorandum of demands to the Government, which aims to address critical issues affecting the agricultural sector.
The assembly session, which concludes on September 4, will be scrutinized for its response to the farmers’ concerns, particularly their call for an effective agriculture policy. The upcoming meeting on September 5 will determine the next phase of the farmers’ strategy, as they seek to push for meaningful reforms and accountability from the government.
Traffic Advisory Issued
The Chandigarh Police have issued a traffic advisory to manage the anticipated disruptions caused by the protests. Residents are advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion and delays. Real-time updates on traffic conditions will be available through the Chandigarh Traffic Police’s social media channels, providing crucial information to help navigate around the protest zones.
As per traffic diversions and parking arrangements, to manage the situation effectively, the vehicles approaching Sarovar Path from Gaushala Chowk (Sector 44/45-50/51 Chowk) will be diverted at Budail Chowk (Sector 33/34-44/45 Chowk), with restrictions extending to Sector 33/34 Light Point and New Labour Chowk (Sector 33/34-20). Traffic will be restricted near the V-4 and V-5 roads in Sector 34, specifically around Polka Bakery, Flower Market, and the Dispensary.
Additionally, no turns will be allowed on Sarovar Path, and traffic will be redirected away from Peace Path at Sector 33/45 Light Point. Vehicles coming from Matuar Chowk are advised not to turn left at Gaushala Chowk, while those from Faida Light Point should turn right at Sector 45/46-49/50 Light Point instead.
For parking, farmers can utilize designated areas near Sector 33-D Market, the open ground near Sector 44 Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Mandis Ground in Sector 45-D, and Dussehra Ground in Sector 46-D.
