1,000 trucks carrying essential items stuck at Singhu border

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Sonepat, November 29

More than 1,000 trucks laden with fruits, vegetables, milk and medicines have been stranded in the traffic jam at the Singhu border in Delhi because of farmers’ protest against the three controversial agricultural laws.

Thousands of farmers have staged a dharna at the Singhu border on the NH-44, which is the lifeline of Delhi because essential items are supplied to the Capital via this stretch.

Rajesh Kumar, a canter driver, said he had been stuck in the logjam for the past three days. “I started from Ambala carrying medicines packed in ice packs on November 25. It was mandatory to change the ice within 72 hours. As I don’t have the ice stock, the medicines will be rendered useless,” he said.

Jaspal Singh of Jalandhar started for Delhi on November 25 carrying milk and curd in a refrigerator van. Stuck on the NH-44 for the past three days, he called up his employer.

“I apprised my employer of the situation and suggested to him to distribute milk and curd among farmers because the stock will last till Monday morning,” he added.

Aftab Ahmad of Jammu and Manjoor Ahmad of Baramulla (Kashmir) have been stuck at the border for five days. They are carrying apples in their trucks.

“About 300 apple-laden trucks are stuck on the highway. Traders are calling us for delivery, but we are helpless. It is mandatory to deliver apples within three days of packing, otherwise the fruit will rot,” Manjoor said.