Farm unions back traders, to hold protest

Bathinda, May 7

On a call given by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, farmers owing allegiance to various unions will hold a protest against the weekend lockdown in Mansa and Bathinda and support shopkeepers and traders to keep their shops open. Union leaders have alleged restrictions imposed by the government were an attempt to sabotage the farmers’ agitation against the central farm laws.

Shops in Muktsar to open from 9 am to 3 pm

District Magistrate MK Aravind Kumar on Friday allowed opening of all shops in the district from 9 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday.

Punjab Kisan Union leader Balkaran Singh Balli said: “We will ask shopkeepers to open shops but won’t force them to do so. If the police and district administration try to stop them, we will oppose it and protest.” — TNS