Makhu rail track blocked, trains diverted

Blurb: No untoward incident reported

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, December 8

The roads were blocked at various places in the city and cantonment areas of Makhu, Zira, as well as Malwal Qadim, Khai Pheme Ki, Mallanwala, Mamdot and Guruharsahai villages in support of the Bharat Bandh call given by farmers’ organisations. Even the railway track at Makhu was blocked, due to which the movement of trains was affected.

As per the information provided by the railway officials, Dibrugarh-Amritsar Special Express (05211) was cancelled due to the farmers’ agitation. Besides, Nanded-Amritsar Express (02715 and 02716), Bandra Terminus-Amritsar Express (02925 and 02926), Korba-Amritsar Express Special (08237 and 08238), Newjalpaigguri-Amritsar Express Special (02407 and 02408), Amritsar-Newjalpaigguri Express 04654 and 04653) were short-terminated.

The trains that have been diverted included Mumbai Central-Amritsar Express (02903 and 02904), Jainagar-Amritsar Express Special (04649/73 and 04650/74).

Meanwhile, all schools, colleges and commercial establishments remained closed throughout the day. However, no untoward incident was reported.

The members of various farmers’ unions flocked to various dharna sites, where the traffic remained blocked. The farmers also held a protest at one of the Reliance petrol pumps near Vallur village situated at Ferozepur-Zira road. A tractor rally was also held in the city.

Volunteers from Congress and other political factions, including the Aam Aadmi Party and the SAD also joined the farmers’ stir in the city and adjoining places.

The police were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. Bhupinder Singh, SSP, said nobody was allowed to take law into their hands.