Life in Punjab was disrupted today due to a bandh called by farmers protesting for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. Roads and railways were severely affected, and many businesses were closed across the state.
The bandh, called by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, has led to farmers staging sit-ins (dharnas) on key roads, blocking traffic. The shutdown was announced over a week ago, and it is being observed from 7 am to 4 pm.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “Emergency services will continue. Anyone going to catch a flight, attend a job interview, or attend a wedding will be allowed to travel. But today, all establishments are closed in Punjab. Our farmers have shown unity.”
In several areas, train services were completely suspended. No trains were entering Punjab, and grain markets were shut down. Public transport was also off the roads in Mohali, with most private buses suspending services to support the bandh.
In Phagwara, farmers blocked the Sugarmill crossing on NH-44, affecting traffic to nearby cities. “Our strike has received full support from transporters, unions, and religious groups,” added Pandher.
The bandh’s effects were also felt in nearby Ambala, where buses had to take alternate routes due to the roadblocks in Punjab. “All buses heading to Chandigarh from Ambala were overcrowded. It’s been very tough for commuters like me,” said Sangeeta, a daily traveller from Ambala to Zirakpur.
Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike continues for its 35th day. Dallewal, who is refusing medical treatment, has been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border along with hundreds of farmers demanding a legal guarantee for MSP. “I won’t break my fast until the government listens to us,” Dallewal said.
Farmers have been protesting since February, after their attempt to march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Their demands include a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waivers, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The Punjab government has been given time until December 31 by the Supreme Court to persuade Dallewal to end his hunger strike.
