No movement allowed, common man suffers

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 27

Causing great hardship to the public, the police sealed Ambala from the Chandigarh side for the second day on Friday.

Even as farmers did not move from the Chandigarh side, the inter-state barrier at Saddopur was blocked for vehicular traffic till the evening. Not even pedestrians were allowed to pass through the naka.

Commuters, including those providing emergency services, had to take diversions through villages. In the evening, after farmers were allowed to enter Delhi, the police removed barricades to allow movement of vehicles on the highway.

“I travel between Chandigarh and Kurukshetra every day, but had to criss-cross through broken narrow lanes to go to and return from duty for two days,” said Simmi Singh, a government doctor.

Raj Pal, working in the Fire Department, said he was denied permission to pass through the Saddopur naka on both days.

“When there is no movement of farmers, why have the police blocked passage for the common man,” asked Surabhi Dave, an advocate. She argued with cops at the naka, but to no avail. She had to go to the Ambala court, but could not make it.

With no movement of farmers throughout the day, the cops relaxed in the sun and remained busy on their mobile phones.

“We are bound to obey orders of our seniors not to allow anyone to pass through the naka,” reasoned Hamir Singh, Baldev Nagar SHO. Rajesh Kalia, SP, could not be contacted despite calls and messages.

Home Minister Anil Vij, also the local MLA, said the police arrangements were being directed and monitored at the level of Chief Minister. “I will get it checked and do the needful,” he said when apprised of the hardship being faced by the public.