Chandigarh on tenterhooks as scores of farmers descend on city for rally
So far so good amid traffic advisory and tight security at Sector 43 Dussehra Ground; borders with Mohali open.
Chandigarh: Scores of farmers descended on the Dussehra Ground in Sector 43 on Wednesday afternoon to take part in Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) rally amid tight security to mark the fifth anniversary of the Dilli Chalo march against the now-repealed three farm laws of November 2020. The situation remains peaceful and traffic is moving smoothly in the Union Territory, where police have made elaborate arrangements, including diversions as a preventive measure in the backdrop of the November 10 gridlock.
An estimated 3,000 Chandigarh Police personnel have been deployed across Chandigarh, including at Panjab University in Sector 14, where the Punjab Bachao Morcha is protesting the delay in holding senate elections.
All inter-city borders connecting Chandigarh with adjoining Mohali in Punjab were open as the farmers continued to arrive on tractor-trailers for the rally as the UT administration granted permission for three hours from Wednesday noon.
Representatives of the SKM that comprises around 30 farmer organisations addressed the gathering.
Traffic diversions were implemented in and around Sector 43 to prevent congestion. Commuters were advised to plan alternate routes to avoid delays.
The heightened alertness comes in the wake of the traffic gridlock the city has witnessed on earlier occasions, particularly the November 10 rally linked to the delay in holding Panjab University senate elections and similar farmer protests in the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
Scores of farmers gathered at Dussehra Ground in Chandigarh for a Samyukt Kisan Morcha rally, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Dilli Chalo march against now-repealed farm laws. With 3,000 police personnel deployed, traffic remained smooth despite diversions. The rally, supported by around 30 farmer organizations, was permitted for three hours from noon.