Farmers Movement Archive

Tough time for commuters, some reach destinations on foot

Tribune News ServiceKarnal, August 28Residents had a tough time because of the BJP’s state-level meeting here today. Roads leading to a hotel, where the BJP organised the meeting to chalk out the strategy for the panchayat and civic body elections, were blocked by the police owing to the protest by the farmers against the meeting.Roads around Dera Kar Sewa Gurdwara, where farmers were supposed to assemble, were also blocked, leading to inconvenience to commuters.Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, along with state BJP president OP Dhankar, ministers, MLAs, MPs, district presidents and other officer-bearers attended the meeting.Farmers under the banner of the BKU gave a call to show black flags to the CM yesterday, after which the police beefed up the security.Residents alleged the police had blocked all roads by placing trucks and dumpers. Patients, students and employees faced inconvenience. At Kaithal Western Yamuna Canal bridge, commuters had to travel on foot after leaving their vehicles across the bridge.“I had to go for my IELTS exams, but the police did not allow me to advance. I travelled on foot for almost 5 km to appear for my exam. What is my fault?” said Sagar Nagpal, a student.A pregnant woman was also stuck in the jam. Her family members blamed the police for not diverting the traffic.Amit Kumar, an employee of a hospital, said he faced a lot of problems in reaching the hospital for the VVIP programme.“After waiting for a long time, I decided to return home,” said Ombir, an employee of a private company.Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia said since farmers had given a call to disrupt the CM’s visit, barricades were placed on roads leading to the venue for the BJP’s event.

The Tribune

2021-08-29