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Punjab Bandh: Farmers’ Statewide Shutdown Disrupts Transport and Businesses

Punjab Bandh: farmers observed a statewide shutdown on December 30, 2024, from 7 am to 4 pm, disrupting rail and road services. The protest, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, resulted in the cancellation of over 150 trains and closure of major highways and marketplaces. 
 
Punjab Bandh: Farmers’ Statewide Shutdown Disrupts Transport and Businesses

Punjab Bandh: Farmers in Punjab have organized a statewide shutdown, called the Punjab Bandh, on December 30, 2024, from 7 am to 4 pm. The protest has significantly disrupted road and rail services, with over 150 trains canceled and several major highways blocked. While the shutdown has caused inconvenience, emergency services, including ambulances and wedding vehicles, are allowed to operate.

Why Farmers Are Protesting

The Punjab Bandh was called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to draw attention to their demands. These organizations have been leading protests since February 2024, when farmers began camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points after their march to Delhi was blocked by authorities.

Farmers have urged government and private institutions to remain closed during the bandh as a show of solidarity. Key leaders emphasized the importance of public support for their cause.

Road Transport

Punjab, including the Ambala-Delhi Highway Toll Plaza near Lalru, the Kharar-Morinda Highway, and Airport Road at IISER Chowk in Mohali, have been blocked by protesters. This has led to heavy traffic jams and disruption in bus services.

Rail Services: The ‘Rail Roko Andolan’ has disrupted railway services across the state. According to PTI, up to 221 trains have been affected, with 157 trains canceled, 14 rescheduled, and others delayed.

Marketplaces Closed: Many marketplaces and toll plazas in Punjab have also been shut down in support of the protest.

Speaking about the Punjab Bandh, a senior farm leader explained

“Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 am to 4 pm. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and wedding vehicles, will be allowed to pass.”

Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, a coordinator of the protest, shared that traders, transporters, employee unions, toll plaza workers, ex-servicemen, Sarpanches, teachers’ unions, and social organizations have extended their support to the bandh.

What the Punjab Bandh Means for India

The Punjab Bandh highlights the ongoing struggles of Indian farmers and their commitment to their demands. The use of statewide shutdowns and grassroots participation signals the growing determination among the farming community to achieve their goals.

However, the disruption to essential services like transport and business operations raises questions about the economic and logistical challenges such protests pose.

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