On KMP E-way, protest songs rend the air, Tricolour flutters on trucks

NEW DELHI: Loud rustic protest songs blared from speakers, the Tricolour fluttered atop trucks and tractors, and commuters mostly waited patiently as farmers blocked the Kundli–manesar–palwal (KMP) Expressway as part of the ‘chakka jam’ to press their demand of repealing the three new agricultural laws. The call for the nationwide ‘chakka jam’ between 12-3 pm was given by the farmer unions protesting at the Delhi borders the agriculture laws.

“I came to the stretch at 11 am. There were very few people then, but the number swelled in no time. The purpose is to peacefully do just what is instructed to us by our leaders -- block the road till 3 pm,” said Mukesh Sharma, a local farmer supporting the movement.

Biscuits and fruits were distributed among the protesting farmers sitting on the road and the waiting commuters. Those coming to the stretch with their vehicles were politely informed about the protest and requested to turn back.

“We don’t want to cause any inconvenience to the people,” said Ajit Ahluwalia (29), from Haryana’s Hisar.

“That’s the reason why the call given was for three hours only. Security forces have been blocking ours and theirs passage for so many days. We expect the ‘aam aadmi’ to cooperate with us for some hours at least. And the truth is they are,” he said.

points for the traffic.

Similarly, in Yamunanagar, a road blockade was observed near Milk Majra toll plaza, Aurangabad village, Chhachharauli, Sadhaura, Bilaspur, Gumthala and Pabni Kalan village. The Yamunanagar Police made seven diversions around the protest sites.

Mandeep Chappar, district director of BKU (C), said, “This is just a symbolic protest. If the government doesn’t repeal the laws and take back the cases lodged against our brothers and sisters, the jams will be increased in the coming days.”