Punjab, December 30:
Punjab is observing a statewide bandh today, December 30, from 7 am to 4 pm, as called by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (non-political). The strike aims to show solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike since November 26, demanding legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops and 13 other farm-related reforms.
Farmer unions have planned widespread chakka jams at over 200 locations, disrupting daily life across the state. Public transport, including buses and trains, has been significantly affected, with rail services canceled or delayed at 150 locations.
List of trains cancelled due to #bharatbandh. pic.twitter.com/3qLgPiUQve
— UpFront News (@upfrontltstnews) December 30, 2024
The Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) has also suspended bus services for four hours, from 10 am to 2 pm. The strike has led to the closure of local markets in areas near protest sites, such as Rajpura, Mansa, and Sangrur, although a statewide market shutdown has not been enforced by the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal.
Educational institutions, especially colleges affiliated with Panjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), have rescheduled exams, while most schools remain unaffected due to winter vacations. Essential services like medical care and airports continue to operate normally, but milk deliveries, fruit and vegetable supplies, and fuel logistics have been halted. Petrol pumps and LPG agencies are closed except for emergencies, adding to the disruption.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has closed its offices statewide in support of the bandh. However, emergency services, including hospitals, clinics, and special provisions for weddings and job interviews, remain functional.
The protests, led by farmers, aim to press the Centre for immediate action on their demands. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the government to initiate dialogue with farmers, highlighting the urgency of addressing their concerns. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar has also appealed to the Supreme Court to intervene and direct the Centre to fulfill the demands, which include a legal guarantee for MSP and other reforms.
As part of the protest, several gurdwaras in Punjab have organized langar (free meals) at protest sites, showcasing solidarity. The bandh has also garnered support from various transporters, employees, traders, and religious organizations. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher assured that the protest would remain peaceful, calling for widespread public participation. The organizers have extended their appeal for solidarity to neighboring states, including Haryana, urging them to join the movement.
The impact of the bandh has rippled across Punjab, disrupting daily life while amplifying farmers’ demands for justice and systemic reforms in the agriculture sector.
About The Author
