Punjab Farmers Begin Seven-Day SKM Protest at Chandigarh-Mohali Border

A protest site on the airport road

On September 1, 2026, farmers affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha began a seven-day protest at the Chandigarh-Mohali border, camping along the road that connects Mohali with Chandigarh and the airport corridor. Tractor-trolleys lined the stretch from Phase 11 towards Sector 48, doubling as transport, resting spaces and temporary shelters while community kitchens prepared langar for arriving protesters.

The administration allotted a site near Sectors 48–49 on Airport Road for the agitation, which is scheduled to run through September 7. By the second day, SKM leaders said the gathering had swelled to around 5,500 activists, with nearly 700 tractors, pickup jeeps, buses and trucks, besides 50 water tankers. Mohali police closed the road from IISER Chowk to Bestech Mall and diverted traffic on alternate routes.

MSP, debt waiver and water rights

The SKM's charter centres on a legally enforceable minimum support price for all crops, fixed according to the Swaminathan Commission's C2 plus 50 per cent formula rather than limited to wheat and paddy. Farmer leaders argue that Punjab's farm economy remains heavily dependent on the procurement cycle and that price assurance must extend to crops beyond those that dominate government purchases.

Complete loan waivers for farmers and agricultural labourers form another core demand, alongside resolution of Punjab's river water disputes on riparian principles and the scrapping of Sections 78, 79 and 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. The unions also seek restoration of Punjab's representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board and a special session of the Punjab Assembly on water rights.

Pressure on both Centre and state

SKM leaders have submitted memorandums to both the Union and Punjab governments over recent months, accusing both of remaining silent on pending demands. Speakers at the site, including Balbir Singh Rajewal and Prem Singh Bhangu, criticised what they described as indifference from the Centre and the AAP-led state government, saying the neglect had forced them to launch the protest.

The location is strategically significant because a large mobilisation there immediately affects movement between Mohali and Chandigarh. The protest coincides with a separate agitation by government employee unions in Punjab, adding to administrative pressure on the Mann government even as many demands are directed at the Union.

Talks and the road ahead

On September 4, senior Punjab and Chandigarh Police officials met SKM leaders to ascertain plans beyond September 7, amid apprehension that the morcha could be extended. According to reports, the SKM said it would wait for a government response until 2 pm on September 5 before deciding on further action at a leadership meeting.

Police reported no untoward incidents during the first days of the protest. SKM leaders have said they remain open to dialogue if the governments engage meaningfully, but have warned that the agitation will be intensified if no response is conveyed. The seven-day sit-in brings together 32 farmer organisations under the SKM umbrella, including BKU-Rajewal, BKU-Dakaunda and Kirti Kisan Union.