Massive traffic jams were reported at all major entry points connecting Mohali to Chandigarh — including Phase 6, Phase 1, Phase 3A and the Burail jail entrance — after widespread protests broke out under the banner of the Punjab Bachao Morcha on Monday.
Supported by student groups and political leaders from both Punjab and Chandigarh, the agitation aims to protect the autonomy of Punjab University and preserve the democratic election process. The protests, led by several farmer unions including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), saw hundreds of farmers march from Mohali towards Chandigarh in solidarity.
When the protesters reached the Mohali-Chandigarh border near Phase 6, they were intercepted by the Chandigarh Police, leading to a tense confrontation. In response, farmers blocked the main road, causing a traffic jam that extended for several kilometres.
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.
The protest was led by prominent farmer leaders – Balbir Singh Rajewal (Bharatiya Kisan Rajewal Union), Harinder Singh Lakwal (BKU Lakwal), and Manjit Singh Dhanner (BKU Dakonda). Other leaders, including Lakha Sidhan and Bhana Sidhu, gathered near Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali before trying to enter Chandigarh through the Borail Jail entry point to join the demonstration at Punjab University.
Speaking to the media, Balbir Singh Rajewal said, “Punjab University belongs to Punjab, and its students have successfully defended its identity. The next phase of SKM’s struggle will focus on water rights in Punjab, with state-level protests on the issue starting soon.”
Traffic through Mohali remained severely disrupted throughout the day. Police diverted vehicles via alternative routes, but long queues of vehicles were seen at several choke points.
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To prevent protesters from entering Chandigarh, police barricaded the Phase 6 borders and deployed trucks and buses to block access to the Union Territory. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides, causing chaos among road users.
Traffic remained at a standstill in Zirakpur as Chandigarh Police conducted extensive checks on vehicles along the Chandigarh-Zirakpur stretch, worsening congestion.
(Tags for translation)Punjab Bachao Morcha University
