Key Points:
- Massive Disruption: Over 140 locations across Punjab saw highways, railway tracks, and public transport disrupted during the bandh from 7 AM to 4 PM on Monday.
- Widespread Support: The bandh was backed by traders, commission agents, and public organizations, reflecting widespread solidarity with farmers’ demands.
- Transport Affected: Railways canceled 163 trains, including Vande Bharat, and bus services across 576 routes in Punjab and neighboring states were halted.
- Economic Impact: Shops, petrol pumps, and commercial establishments remained shut, with vegetable and milk supplies also disrupted.
- Farmers’ Demands: The protest highlighted calls for MSP legislation, loan waivers, pensions, rollback of electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for Lakhimpur Kheri victims.
Chandigarh: Punjab witnessed a massive statewide bandh on Monday as farmers intensified their agitation to press for key demands, disrupting life across the state. From railway tracks to highways, over 140 locations became protest sites, paralyzing transportation and commerce.
The bandh, which lasted from 7 AM to 4 PM, had a significant impact, with highways such as Amritsar-Jalandhar-Panipat-Delhi and Amritsar-Jammu completely blocked. Railways canceled 163 trains, including the high-profile Vande Bharat Express, stranding passengers in Ambala, Kurukshetra, and beyond. Bus services across 576 routes connecting Punjab to eight states were suspended, further exacerbating travel woes.
Protest Gains Public Support
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher highlighted the extensive support the bandh received from the public, traders, and commission agents. “We didn’t have to force anyone to close their shops; they voluntarily supported us,” Pandher told the media, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown by various sections of society.
Petrol pumps, shops, and businesses across Punjab remained shuttered, while vegetable and milk supplies were intentionally disrupted to emphasize the farmers’ demands.
Demands Driving the Agitation
The farmers, under the banners of the United Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha, are agitating for multiple issues:
- Legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Loan waivers for farmers.
- Pension provisions for aging farmers.
- Withdrawal of police cases against protestors.
- Rollback of electricity tariff hikes.
- Justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Adding to the urgency, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is on a hunger strike to draw attention to these pressing demands.
Ripple Effects of the Bandh
The bandh’s impact extended beyond Punjab’s borders. Buses from neighboring states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh did not enter Punjab, creating a ripple effect on interstate transport. Stranded passengers were forced to seek shelter in hotels, while commercial and economic activities remained at a standstill.
Despite the disruption, the bandh concluded peacefully, with no reports of violence. “The situation is returning to normal now,” Pandher confirmed.
Farmers emphasized that the bandh is part of a larger strategy to push for their demands. With public support swelling, the protests have sent a clear message to authorities. Whether this momentum will lead to concrete policy changes remains to be seen, but the farmers’ determination to fight for their rights remains unwavering.
This protest underscores the growing discontent among India’s farming community and the urgency for government intervention to address their concerns.
