Punjab Bandh: Farmers Call For Complete Shutdown Today, Know What's Open And What's Closed

Farmers in Punjab have declared a statewide shutdown on Monday, which will disrupt road and rail traffic from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. This protest is led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. These groups have been demonstrating at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces.

The Kisan Mazdoor Sanghrash Committee has called for this bandh. Sarvan Singh Pandher, a leader of the committee, stated that the bandh aims to compel the central government to meet farmers' demands. He criticised the union government for not addressing these issues. The decision for a 'Punjab bandh' was made last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

Impact on Services

In support of the farmers' bandh, bus services across Punjab will be halted for different periods on Monday. The Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) buses will not operate from 10 am to 2 pm, as announced by the PRTC Punbus Employee Union. Private bus operators have also pledged full support, suspending services statewide from 7 am to 4 pm.

The bandh will affect both road and rail traffic during these hours. Reports indicate that government and private institutions across Punjab will remain closed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will continue to function to ensure essential operations are not disrupted.

Reasons Behind the Bandh

Prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border since November 26, advocating for their demands. A key demand is a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, an ongoing issue in agricultural reforms. The bandh is expected to impact transportation and public services as farmers increase pressure on the central government.

A "jatha" of 101 farmers attempted three times to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8, and December 14 but were stopped by security personnel in Haryana. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been fasting at Khanauri border since November 26 to pressurise the Centre into accepting their demands, including MSP legalisation.

Farmers' Demands

Besides seeking a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, farmers demand debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no increase in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in 2021. Farmers under SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have camped at Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13 after being stopped en route to Delhi.

Various groups such as traders, transporters, employees' unions, toll plaza workers, ex-servicemen, sarpanches, teachers' unions, and social organisations have expressed their support for the farmers' cause during this bandh.