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The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) on Monday organised a motorcycle rally in Chandigarh to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal and several other issues. The union warned of a nationwide agitation if the deal is signed.

 

Traffic movement was affected in parts of Chandigarh during the protest, with police imposing restrictions on several routes.

 

The protesting farmers demanded that the proposed trade deal be scrapped. They alleged that the Centre's trade policies favour multinational companies and international business interests at the expense of Indian farmers and the dairy sector.

 

Farmer leaders said American farmers receive heavy government subsidies and operate on a much larger scale. They argued that Indian farmers, who largely own small landholdings, would struggle to compete under such conditions.

 

The protesters also claimed that the agreement could lead to increased imports of agricultural produce, pulses, fruits, vegetables and other food items. According to them, this may hurt farmers' incomes and weaken the country's agricultural economy.

 

BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal said the union would launch protests across the country on the day the bilateral trade agreement is signed. He also announced that toll plazas across Punjab would be opened for free for two hours on July 17 as part of the protest against the proposed Indo-US trade agreement.

Speaking about Monday's demonstration, Rajewal said the farmers' demands were related to both the Central and the Punjab governments. He also raised concerns over the rapidly declining groundwater level in Punjab and the growing impact of climate change on agriculture.

 

Ahead of the rally, Chandigarh Police imposed traffic restrictions on several major roads from 10.30 am to 3 pm and advised commuters to take alternate routes.

 

On Friday, farmers associated with BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) and other organisations also held a rally from Sector 34 to Matka Chowk, demanding that the proposed India-US trade deal be withdrawn.

 

During Friday's protest, farmers drove tractor-trolleys, buses, jeeps and other vehicles through the city to oppose the proposed trade pact. They also protested against the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices.

 

Also read: Farmers' rally triggers massive traffic jams in Chandigarh