Indian Punjab shuts down in solidarity with protesting farmers

Narendra Modi’s government, which claims to be a beacon of democracy, continues to suppress its own farming community as farmers in Haryana and Punjab escalate their protests.

Under the banners of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Kisan Sangharsh Morcha, farmers have announced a statewide shutdown, Punjab Bandh, on Monday, December 30, from 7 am to 4 pm. 

The call comes in solidarity with Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month.

The protests demand the implementation of 13 agricultural reforms, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops. 

The bandh is expected to cripple daily life as markets, schools, transport services, and even SGPC offices have pledged their support to the movement.

J P Agrawal, President of Ludhiana Transport Dealers Association, confirmed that transportation services would halt for the duration of the strike, leading to disruptions in LPG cylinder deliveries and fuel supplies.

The farmers’ unions plan to block 200 key roads and 50 railway tracks across Punjab. This disruption has already forced Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University to postpone exams and delayed essential supplies of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in markets.

Leaders like Harjinder Singh Dhami, President of the SGPC, have voiced their solidarity, emphasising that the strike is a stand against systemic injustice. 

Monday’s Punjab Bandh joins the list of significant farmer-led movements, including the Dilli Chalo march and Rail Roko agitation, symbolising resistance against the Indian government’s policies.

Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor