Punjab Bandh Disrupts State; Over 200 Trains Cancelled Amid Farmer Protests
Chandigarh : The ongoing Punjab Bandh on December 30 has brought life to a halt in several parts of the state, with farmers intensifying their protests. Led by various farmer unions, the bandh has seen widespread blockades on rail tracks, highways, and roads, severely impacting transportation and daily life. Over 200 trains have been cancelled, including popular services like the Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express, as part of the massive disruption caused by the protesters.
Key Highlights of the Punjab Bandh Protest
- Railways and Roads Blocked: Farmer unions have set up blockades at multiple locations, including Landra Chowk in Mohali, Banur, and Kharar. These blockades have resulted in the cancellation of over 200 trains across the state, including critical services like Vande Bharat and Shatabdi. Road traffic has also been severely affected, with national and state highways being blocked in several districts.
- Suspension of Bus Services: State-run bus services, operated by the Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), have been suspended in solidarity with the farmers’ demands. Employees of the PRTC are actively participating in the protest by blocking key routes, including Chandigarh Road at Banda Singh Bahadur Chowk in Samana. Private bus operators have also joined the strike, suspending services from 7 AM to 4 PM.
- Markets Closed: The state-wide bandh has led to the closure of main markets across Punjab. Business activities came to a standstill in several districts as shopkeepers and trade unions supported the bandh call. However, some areas like Baba Bakala in Amritsar saw businesses functioning as usual, with reports of limited impact in those regions.
- Public Transport and Emergency Services: Although the bandh has caused a major disruption in public transport, emergency services, including ambulances, medical services, and essential services, have been exempt from the strike. In an effort to minimize hardship, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher clarified that the bandh does not apply to those traveling for essential reasons such as attending job interviews, wedding functions, or catching flights.
Farmers’ Demands Amid the Protest
The Punjab Bandh is not just a symbolic protest but a call for significant changes in the agricultural sector. Farmer unions are raising several demands that reflect the ongoing struggles faced by the farming community. Key demands include:
- Legal Guarantee for MSP: Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. The protest aims to address long-standing concerns over crop pricing and the financial stability of farmers.
- Debt Waiver: The farmers have also demanded a waiver of agricultural debts, which have become a crippling issue for many in the state.
- Pension for Farmers and Farm Laborers: A regular pension scheme for farmers and agricultural laborers is another significant demand, with farmers seeking better welfare and social security benefits.
- No Electricity Tariff Hike: Farmers are concerned about rising electricity tariffs, which have increased their financial burdens. The bandh seeks a halt to any further hikes in electricity prices for farmers.
- Withdrawal of Police Cases: Farmers are also calling for the withdrawal of police cases filed against them during previous protests. This includes seeking justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, in which farmers were allegedly killed by a vehicle driven by BJP supporters.
- Reinstatement of Land Acquisition Act, 2013: Another core demand is the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which protects farmers from land grabbing by the government for industrial or infrastructural development projects.
- Compensation for Families of Deceased Farmers: The families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 farmers’ protests are also demanding compensation, as part of the broader agenda of justice for those affected.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The widespread disruption caused by the Punjab Bandh has had a significant impact on daily life and the economy of the region. With train services suspended and road traffic blocked, commuters have been left stranded, and businesses are incurring losses. The agricultural sector, too, is facing supply chain disruptions, with no milk, fruits, or vegetables being supplied due to the bandh. This has resulted in shortages of essential goods, particularly in urban areas.
Trade organizations have extended their support to the bandh, further amplifying its reach. Additionally, langars (community kitchens) have been set up by farmers, including one at Amritsar’s Golden Gate, to provide food to those participating in the protest.
Farmer Unions’ Call for a Complete Shutdown
Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, has emphasized that the bandh will continue until Monday evening. However, he assured the public that essential services would remain functional. The bandh, according to Pandher, has been organized to raise awareness about the pressing issues faced by the farmers and push for political accountability ahead of the upcoming elections.
While the bandh has drawn criticism from some quarters for its disruptive impact, it is clear that the farmers’ demands have gained significant traction across the state, with many sympathetic to their cause.
Conclusion: A State in Turmoil
The Punjab Bandh on December 30 has underscored the ongoing struggles of farmers in the region. As protests continue to unfold, the state is grappling with the economic and social impact of the shutdown. With the agricultural community demanding action on critical issues like MSP, debt relief, and justice for past agitations, it remains to be seen how the state government and other stakeholders will respond to these pressing concerns.