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Journalism of Courage
Massive traffic jams were reported at all key entry points linking Mohali to Chandigarh—including Phase 6, Phase 1, Phase 3A, and the Burail Jail entry—after large-scale protests erupted under the banner of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha on Monday.
Supported by student groups and political leaders from both Punjab and Chandigarh, the agitation is purportedly aimed at protecting Panjab University’s autonomy and preserving its democratic election process. The agitation, led by several farmer unions including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), also saw hundreds of farmers marching from Mohali towards Chandigarh in solidarity.
As the protesters reached the Mohali-Chandigarh border near Phase 6, they were intercepted by Chandigarh Police, leading to a tense face-off. In retaliation, the farmers blocked the main road, triggering a traffic gridlock that stretched for several kilometers.
Chandigarh Police and Haryana Police briefly entered Mohali to manage the situation but were met with stiff resistance from the protesting farmers and were eventually forced to retreat to Chandigarh.
Prominent farmer leaders—Balbir Singh Rajewal (Bharatiya Kisan Union Rajewal), Harinder Singh Lakhowal (BKU Lakhowal), and Manjit Singh Dhaner (BKU Dakonda)—led the protest. Other leaders, including Lakha Sidhan and Bhana Sidhu, assembled near Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali before attempting to enter Chandigarh through the Burail Jail entry point to join the demonstration at Panjab University.
Speaking to the media, Balbir Singh Rajewal said, “Panjab University belongs to Punjab, and its students have successfully defended its identity. The next phase of the SKM’s struggle will focus on Punjab’s water rights, with statewide protests on this issue to begin soon.”
Traffic across Mohali remained heavily disrupted throughout the day. The police diverted vehicles through alternative routes, but long queues of vehicles were seen at several choke points.
To prevent the protesters’ entry into Chandigarh, the police barricaded the Phase 6 border, deploying trucks and buses to block access to the Union Territory. Long lines of vehicles formed on both sides, causing chaos for road users.
Traffic remained snarled in Zirakpur as Chandigarh Police conducted intensive vehicle checks along the Chandigarh-Zirakpur stretch, worsening the congestion.
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