Life was hit at several places in Punjab owing to a bandh called by farmers who have been agitating against the Centre in support of their demands. Rail and road traffic was crippled and commercial establishments remained shut at many places in the state. Farmers staged dharnas on several roads as part of their bandh call, throwing traffic out of gear. A call for a shutdown was given over a week ago by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not acting on the farmers’ demand for a legal guarantee for the MSP.
Complete shutdown in Jalandhar
Impact of Punjab Bandh was completely observed in Jalandhar. Main markets of the city remained closed, and no buses were plying on roads and trains too were cancelled. Passengers at bus stand and railway station were seen waiting for the bandh to end so that they could reach their destinations. Ajit Kumar from Kerela who was with his one year old son at the Cantt Railway station said he was going to Pathankot and the train stopped at the station. At Dhanowali village, the farmer unions gathered and blocked the NH-1. Ambulances were, however, being allowed to move.
Farmers block roads at many places, traffic hit
Farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. In Phagwara, farmers staged a dharna near the Sugarmill crossing on NH-44, blocking the roads leading from Phagwara towards Nakodar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr. They also staged a dharna at Behram toll plaza on Phagwara-Banga road. Grain markets were shut in several places. In the Mohali district, markets were deserted and hardly any traffic on the roads. The bandh’s impact was also seen in some neighbouring areas of the state, including Ambala. Hundreds of daily commuters travelling from Ambala to Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala and other nearby cities of Punjab were thrown off stride because of the shutdown. Buses took alternate routes to go from Ambala to Chandigarh as they had to cross a stretch of the national highway that passes through Punjab. Many outsiders studying in various coaching centres in Chandigarh faced a tough time reaching their destinations.
Punjab govt should not misuse police, stand with us: Farmer leader
Samyukt Kisan Morcha chief Sarwan Singh Pandher on Monday urged the Punjab government not to “misuse” its power against the farmers and instead support them in their fight pushing their demands. Speaking with IANS, Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasised the strong support for the bandh, stating, “Three crore Punjabis have joined this protest, and around 95-97 per cent of the traffic across Punjab is halted. At Golden Gate, langar was organised from 5:00 a.m. to support the cause. Reports indicate roadblocks at multiple locations in Amritsar.” Highlighting their demands, Pandher said, “The MSP guarantee is essential for the country’s economy and the health of its farmers. Our demands also include loan waivers, 200 days of work under NREGA, daily wages of Rs 700 for labourers, and implementation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.” “This is not just about farmers; it’s about shopkeepers facing losses due to online businesses, privatisation of education and healthcare, and other issues,” he added. Pandher criticised the Punjab government, urging it to support the farmers instead of misusing police forces, referencing past incidents like the Behbal Kalan firing. “The Punjab government should not misuse the police. Punjab government should stand with the farmers,” he said. “Unless farmers and labourers nationwide unite, the government will not fulfil our demands. Punjabis are united today, putting immense pressure on the Modi government,” he added. Prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, 67, has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border since November 26 to push for the fulfilment of these demands. The bandh has caused significant disruptions to transportation and public services. The bus services across Punjab have been suspended. The Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) halted operations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with private bus operators suspending services statewide from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in support of the bandh. Government and private institutions across the state remained closed during the bandh hours while emergency services continued to operate. Several groups, including traders, transporters, employee unions, toll plaza workers, ex-servicemen, sarpanches, teachers’ unions, and social organisations, extended their support to the farmers’ cause. Protest organisers clarified that emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, weddings, or funerals, would not be hindered. Provisions were also made for individuals travelling to airports for jobs or services.
