Complete bandh in Hoshiarpur

Tribune News Service

Hoshiarpur, September 27

The roads, markets and banks, remained closed in the district as farmers observed Bharat bandh today from 6 am to 4 pm on the call given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha. Schools and colleges did open, but students were either absent or sent back home, after the protesters urged the managements to close the institutions.

Farmers blocked Phagwara bypass, Singriwala-Jalandhar bypass, Lachowal toll plaza, Nangal Shahidan toll plaza on Chandigarh road and Bajwara adda on Una road, among others.

In Dasuya and Mukerian farmers blocked road and rail traffic. The protesters held a march in Hoshiarpur city and requested a few shopkeepers who opened their establishments to support them.

The bus stand and the railway station remained deserted and passengers had to return dissapointed.

Meanwhile, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha continued to protest outside reliance outlets, toll plazas and the District Administrative Complex.

Phagwara, Phillaur, Banga witness complete bandh

A complete shutdown was observed in Phagwara, Phillaur, Goraya, Banga, Nawanshahr, Nurmahal, Nakodar, Lohia, Shahkot, Sultanpur Lodhi and Bholath, with all transport services remaining and shops and other commercial establishments also remaining closed at all places.

Normal life was hit as farmers blocked highways, roads and squatted on railway tracks at many places. All major political parties —Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and Shiromani Akali Dal— had extended their support. Government employees also supported the bandh by taking mass casual leave.

In Phagwara, thousands of farmers including Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation chairman Joginder Singh Maan, and Congress leader Daljit Raju sat on a dharna and blocked traffic at Sugar Mills Chowk.

Traffic between Phagwara-Nakodar, Phagwara-Jalandhar, Phagwara-Hoshiarpur and Phagwara-Ludhiana and Phagwara-Nawanshahr remained suspended for 10 hours today. Most of the grain markets of several towns, educational institutes and several commercial establishments remained closed.

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