SKM Begins Week-Long Protest at Chandigarh-Mohali Border

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has commenced a seven-day protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, with farmers from across Punjab converging in tractor-trolleys and other vehicles, carrying ration and essential items. The protest, which began Monday, has occupied a stretch of road between the Golf Club and the 47/48 light point, where a stage and langar arrangements have been set up.

According to SKM leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal, around 2,000 tractor-trolleys were expected to reach the site by Tuesday evening. Some farmers had arrived as early as Monday evening. "We have come here to press the Centre and the Punjab government to accept our demands," Lakhowal said. Several farmer bodies, including the Bharti Kisan Union and Kirti Kisan Union, are participating in the protest, which will continue until September 7.

Demands and Grievances

The farmers' demands include fixing the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce based on the C2 plus 50 per cent formula and waiving the debts of farmers and farm labourers. They are also opposing the proposed India-US trade deal, claiming it is against the interests of agriculture and the national interest.

Other demands, as detailed in reports, include the withdrawal of the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025, which they allege would lead to the complete privatisation of the electricity sector, and the Seed Bill, 2025, which they claim would weaken states' rights and enable domestic and foreign corporate companies to establish a monopoly in the seed sector. The farmers also demand the repeal of the Dam Safety Act, alleging that it "encroaches upon the ownership rights of states over dams."

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the protest would focus on issues concerning Punjab's water, agriculture and farmers. Among the key demands is the cancellation of old agreements relating to water, besides ensuring fair and timely payments to sugarcane farmers. Rajewal said farmers remained ready for talks if the government invited them for negotiations. "If the talks fail, the morcha will continue beyond the seven-day period," he said. He also indicated that the decision on whether to extend the protest would be taken on the seventh day, and it may be extended further if a collective decision is taken.

According to reports, the farmers have also raised objections to the proposed India-US free trade agreement and have called on the government to first implement the commitments made during the 2020 farmers' agitation. Lakhwinder Singh, district general secretary of BKU Rajewal, said the seven-day protest was being organised to raise demands concerning both the Punjab and Central governments. Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, Mohali block president of BKU Rajewal, said his organisation expected around 500 trolleys from different parts of Punjab to reach the protest site. Sandhu also accused political parties in Punjab of failing to adequately address issues concerning farmers.

Ground Situation and Logistics

On the first day, more than 400 tractor-trailers arrived, lining a nearly 2-km stretch from Phase XI to Sector 48 in two neat rows. The stretch on one side of the main road leading to the protesters' stage in Sector 48 has been closed to traffic for the next seven days. One-way traffic is being allowed from Chandigarh towards Mohali and the Airport Road. Travel time on the stretch increased slightly, though traffic continued to move without major disruption.

Authorities have diverted vehicular traffic on the road stretch from Faidan barrier towards Chandigarh on Purv Marg. The road stretch from the T-point at Sector 48 light point towards the internal road of Sector 48-49 and from Sector 49/50 towards Chandigarh has also been restricted. The public has been advised to use alternate routes, according to a Chandigarh Police advisory. The Mohali Police has closed the road from IISER Chowk to Bestech Mall in Phase 11 and the Jagatpura-Chandigarh road. Commuters have been advised to take alternate routes to enter Chandigarh. Two diversions have been provided on either side of the IISER light point for traffic from Mohali towards Chandigarh.

The UT police have put up three-layer barricading and barbed wire behind the protesters' stage on the Chandigarh side. A heavy police deployment, including personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), has been made to maintain law and order.

Several community kitchens (langars) serving food, snacks and tea have started operating along the road. A medical camp has been set up near the stage to provide first aid. Groups have arrived with rations reportedly sufficient for nearly two months, and langar arrangements have been made for protesters.