Traffic restored on NH-52 after farmer protests cleared

Traffic on National Highway-52 in Khanauri has returned to normal after a long protest by farmers was cleared. The protest started on February 13 last year when farmers were stopped from marching to Delhi. They had set up sit-ins at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points. On Friday, officials reported that the traffic resumed on NH-52 following the removal of makeshift structures and tractors used by the protesters. This action followed the reopening of National Highway-44 at the Shambhu border the day before. Commuters had faced delays and had to take longer routes because of the blockade. The police worked diligently to clear the site. It took them two days to remove over 500 tractor trolleys and 200 tractors. They also dismantled the makeshift houses built by farmers during the protest. Patiala range DIG Mandeep Sidhu stated that police would continue to monitor the area to avoid further gatherings by the farmers. Leaders from the protesting groups were among the hundreds detained to help clear the sites. The Aam Aadmi Party emphasized the importance of reopening the roads for the state’s economic health. Farmers have begun reclaiming some of their trolleys after verification, and more are expected to retrieve their belongings soon.