Key Points:
- Farmers at the Haryana-Punjab border continue their agitation, demanding a Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law.
- Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent leader, has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 35 days, raising concerns over his deteriorating health.
- Punjab observes a state-wide bandh, disrupting transportation and business activities.
- 52 trains canceled and 22 routes diverted as protests block major highways.
- Supreme Court urges Punjab government to prioritize Dallewal’s health and safety amidst mounting tensions.
Chandigarh: The ongoing farmers’ agitation on the Haryana-Punjab border has entered a critical phase, with demands for a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) taking center stage. Prominent leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal of the Joint Farmers Front (non-political) has been on a hunger strike for 35 days at the Khanauri border, intensifying the protest. Meanwhile, Sarwan Singh Pandher, another key leader, leads similar demonstrations at the Shambhu border.
Punjab Observes Bandh in Support of Farmers
In a show of solidarity with the protesting farmers, Punjab came to a standstill today. Public transportation, including buses, trains, autos, and taxis, ceased operations until 4 pm. Religious, social organizations, traders, and employee groups extended their support to the bandh. Amidst the shutdown, police forces across Punjab remain on high alert, while Haryana Police has diverted traffic on the Delhi-Chandigarh route to manage disruptions.
Dallewal Appeals to Farmers, Accuses Punjab Government
Ahead of the bandh, Jagjit Singh Dallewal addressed farmers through a live social media broadcast. He accused the Punjab government of attempting to suppress the peaceful Satyagraha movement at the behest of the central government. Emphasizing the Gandhian approach of the protest, Dallewal called upon more farmers to join the movement, ensuring its momentum remains undeterred.
Transportation Chaos: Highways Blocked, Trains Canceled
The protests have caused widespread disruptions to transportation across the state. Farmers blocked major highways, including the Amritsar-Delhi and Jalandhar-Delhi National Highways, starting at 7 am. By 10 am, bus services were halted, adding to the chaos. Authorities canceled 52 trains and diverted 22 routes, while markets and institutions remained closed in affected areas.
Supreme Court Steps In Over Dallewal’s Health
The Supreme Court has expressed grave concerns about Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s health, given his advanced age and the prolonged hunger strike. The court has directed the Punjab government to ensure his well-being and facilitate his hospitalization if necessary. A recent meeting between Punjab government representatives and farmer leaders failed to reach a resolution. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for December 31.
As the protests escalate, the demand for an MSP guarantee law has gained nationwide attention, with many closely monitoring the developments at the Haryana-Punjab border. The farmers’ movement, marked by resilience and solidarity, continues to put pressure on the state and central governments for swift action.
