Chandigarh: Chandigarh Police and state authorities implemented extensive traffic diversions and security measures starting Monday, August 31, ahead of a week-long demonstration called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) along the Chandigarh-Mohali border from September 1 to 7. Authorities announced that vehicular movement from the Faidan barrier towards Chandigarh along Purv Marg has been rerouted, while travel from the T-point at Sector 48 light point toward internal roads of Sectors 48-49 and Sectors 49-50 heading into Chandigarh faces strict restrictions. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes and account for additional travel time.
The logistical blueprint was finalized during a joint coordination meeting held at the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited rest house in Mohali, attended by senior Punjab and Chandigarh police officers along with members of the SKM administrative committee. The discussions, joined by senior farmer leaders including Balbir Singh Rajewal and Baldev Singh Nihalgarh, reviewed protest venue demarcations, tractor-trolley parking arrangements, traffic management, drinking water, and sanitation facilities. Farmer leader Paramdeep Baidwan stated that the administration allocated designated protest sites across Sectors 48 and 49, while Mohali authorities are keeping one side of the road open up to Bestech Mall and beyond Phase 11 for tractor-trolley movement, with farm unions committing to maintain orderly transit.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) district president Kirpal Singh Siau noted that hundreds of tractor-trolleys from Mohali and adjoining districts are arriving at the site, with community kitchens (langar) being established to sustain participants throughout the week.
The SKM’s charter of demands includes resolving the long-standing interstate river water disputes on the basis of riparian principles, repealing Sections 78, 79, and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and granting a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers and agricultural labourers. The farm body is also demanding guaranteed Minimum Support Prices based on the comprehensive C2 plus 50 percent formula across agricultural commodities, opposing the proposed free trade agreement with the United States, seeking the repeal of the Dam Safety Act, Electricity Amendment Act, and Seed Bill, and pressing for a monthly social security allowance of 10,000 rupees for farmers and farm workers.
