Farmer organisations have called a “Bharat Bandh” today to mark one year since the three controversial farm laws were approved. The bandh began at 6 am and will last till 4 pm today, reported The Indian Express.
As per the report, national highways, state highways, link road and railway tracks have been blocked, halting vehicle and train travel in both Punjab and Haryana.
Farmers in Punjab have begun protesting in around 350 locations. Punjab’s Additional Director General of Police (AGDP) has issued directives to the state’s police forces to maintain peace and order at protest sites. All dharna locations are being closely monitored. Highways are closed in 25 areas in Haryana’s Jind district alone.
As per the report of Indian Express, the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has asked for the closure of government and private offices, educational and other institutions, shops, factories, and commercial businesses during the strike. All emergency enterprises and vital services, however, including hospitals, medical shops, relief and rescue operations, and persons attending to personal situations, will be exempted. The bandh will be implemented in a voluntary and peaceful way, the SKM has assured.
As per the report, various political parties have come out in favor of the strike. While Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has expressed support for the bandh, Bihar Assembly Leader Tejashwi Yadav has stated that he will join in the nationwide strike. The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have also announced their full support for the Bandh. Congress has also stated that it would join the demonstrations on Monday.
