Crossroads of dissent at key Matka Chowk

Owing to its key location, Rasulpur village’s Matka Chowk has become the go-to location for associations of the area to stage protests.

Located on National Highway 54, this key traffic junction connects roads coming from Patti, Amritsar, Bathinda and Goinwal Sahib areas. Naturally, the intersection witnesses a heavy flow of traffic, and serves a pivotal role in the region’s road infrastructure.

Many long-route buses; trucks and trailers travelling across states; and tractor-trolleys of local farmers use the junction daily.

Owing to its conspicuous location, the junction has witnessed several agitations by farmers, labourers, employee associations and others due to the increased visibility of lodging protests here.

Protests here cause frequent traffic snarls, inconveniencing the district administration and commuters from several areas. Schoolchildren are the worst affected, with the problem worsening during the summers due to the scorching heat.

Some commuters resort to alternative, makeshift routes to reach their destinations during protests, often damaging crops in the vicinity and consequently causing losses to farmers.