Bharat Bandh: Hoshiarpur markets, roads wear a deserted look

Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, March 26

The Bharat Bandh evoked huge response in Hoshiarpur and surrounding areas on Friday. In Hoshiarpur city and other towns of the district, shopkeepers voluntarily closed their shops and fully supported farmers’ movement against the three farm laws.

Roads, markets, mandis and bus stands, among others remained deserted. Various farm unions organised protests on Hoshiarpur-Phagwara road, Naloiyan Chowk, Lachowal toll plaza, Adda Bagpur-Satour on Dasuya road, Nangal Shaheedan toll plaza on Chandigarh road, Nasrala, Bullowal and Garhdiwala Mangarh toll plaza.

Along with this, main dana mandi and sabzi mandi of Hoshiarpur were completely affected. Meanwhile, some banks opened in the morning, but were closed by farmers. Public and private buses remained off the roads, thus causing heavy inconvenience to passengers.

The police had made complete arrangements to maintain law and order. Several check points were set up by the district police, which were monitored by SSP Navjot Singh Mahal.

Farm leader Gurdeep Singh Khunkhun said the call for the Bharat Bandh has received massive response from all sections of society. He said shopkeepers of Hoshiarpur city and towns were standing shoulder to shoulder with farmers.

In Garhshankar, chemists, grocery and taverns remained closed in the city. Those going for ‘Hola Mohalla’ and ambulances were allowed to reach their respective destinations by agitating farmers.

The roads wore a deserted look and a small number of vehicles could be seen plying. Mahilpur, Chabbewal, Jhungian, Pandori Beet and Samundra remained completely closed.