Times News NetworkChandigarh: Days after two farmer organisations held a massive protest at Sector 34 Dussehra Ground, farmers, under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), took out a massive motorcycle and car rally to press long-pending demands. The sea of protesters held up traffic, leaving commuters in Chandigarh and Mohali in a bind.More than 500 motorcycles, cars and jeeps moved along key roads on Monday, as part of a rally which began from Nature Park in Phase 8, Mohali, and concluded at the Exhibition Ground in Sector 34, Chandigarh. Farmers from across Punjab made their way via YPS Chowk and the Sector 34/35 road before reaching the rally venue.The large-scale mobilisation led to traffic snarls on several arterial roads in the afternoon. Chandigarh Police implemented temporary traffic diversions at the sector 51/52 light point, Piccadilly Chowk, South End Chowk, ISBT Sector 43, Sector 20/21–33/34 Chowk, Gurdwara Chowk, Gaushala Chowk and the Mohali barrier to facilitate smooth passage of the rally.Traffic personnel were deployed at major intersections but commuters experienced delays on several stretches. Police later restored normal traffic on main carriageways and alternate routes after the rally passed through the city.Security was tightened in Chandigarh and Mohali in view of the demonstration, with a large police force deployed along the rally route. Some schools also remained closed as a precautionary measure.Addressing the gathering, BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal urged the Centre to reject the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement, alleging that it would adversely affect India’s small and marginal farmers.He claimed that heavily subsidised agricultural products from developed countries would make it difficult for Indian farmers to compete, impacting not only farming but also allied sectors such as dairy and poultry.Rajewal also raised concerns over Punjab’s groundwater quality, alleging increasing contamination by heavy metals and calling for urgent govt intervention to address the issue.State secretary Parmdeep Singh Baidwan criticised both the Centre and the Punjab govt, alleging that farmers’ concerns over trade policies, land acquisition and natural resources were being ignored.At the conclusion of the rally, BKU leaders submitted two memorandums — one addressed to the Prime Minister through the Punjab governor highlighting national-level demands, and the other to the Punjab chief minister, seeking action on issues concerning Punjab’s farmers.Box: BSF depployed in cityIn an unusual move, BSF personnel were deployed alongside Chandigarh Police during the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) rally.Personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), which is primarily responsible for guarding India’s international borders, were seen at the city’s key junctions during the protest.Although central armed police forces, including the BSF, are pressed into service during large protests, elections, or periods of heightened security, their presence on Chandigarh roads was new.Chandigarh Inspector General of Police (IGP), Pushpendra Kumar was unavailable for comments.
