Haryana highway blocked, commuters harassed

Tribune News Service

Karnal, September 30

Infuriated over the non-procurement of paddy, farmers protested at five places in the district. They blocked the state highway in Nigdhu village and the Karnal-Garhibirbal road near Gheer village.

At 11 am in Nigdhu, farmers and arhtiyas blocked the road, demanding smooth procurement as well as ensuring the lifting of procured paddy in 24 hours. The blockade continued for three hours and commuters had to face a lot of problems.

They handed over a memorandum to Naib Tehsildar, Nigdhu. After the assurance of lifting of procured paddy in 24 hours, they lifted the blockade.

A protesting farmer said that he has been waiting at the grain market for the past four days for procurement, but nobody came to him, forcing him as well as other farmers to protest.

One commission agent said that they have no issues with who procures the paddy, but they want a written assurance that the procured paddy would be lifted in 24 hours.

In Karnal city, they blocked a road near Guru Brahmanand Chowk which leads to the grain market and burnt the effigies of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala. Rajinder Arya, a farmer, said that the government should ensure smooth procurement.

Rajnish Chaudhary, president, Karnal Arhtiyas Association, said that they would continue their boycott till the fulfilment of their demands. The government should give an assurance of completing the lifting of procured paddy within 24 hours. Besides, it should make it clear as to who will procure the paddy.

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