Dharna, protests held as city observes complete bandh
The call given by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and United Kisan Morcha for “Punjab Bandh” garnered massive support, with protests held at various places across the district here on Monday.
While the road and rail routes remained blocked, the streets in the city had much less traffic as compared to normal days. Though none of the farmer groups moved through the markets here to enforce the closure of shops, a majority of the establishments remained shut till the evening.
The farmers also staged a big dharna near the Golden Gate and shouted slogans against the BJP government and Prime Minister, accusing them of failing to fulfill promises made to farmer unions at the end of Delhi agitation earlier.
Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher, who is leading the protest, expressed gratitude for the widespread support, stating that Punjabis stand firmly in support of the demands of the agitation.
The protests, which included roadblocks, market closures and rail roko, were largely peaceful with exemptions given to essential services like medical and health, weddings and airport travel. Pandher stated that the cooperation of shopkeepers in closing markets voluntarily demonstrated the growing understanding of the government’s pro-corporate policies.
The demands include a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations and minimum 200 days of employment under the MGNREGA and waiver for the debt of farmers and farm workers. Pandher emphasised that the struggle would continue till these demands are met.
In a warning to the Punjab government, Pandher cautioned against taking any police action at the Khanauri border, citing the Supreme Court’s orders. He urged the government to desist from deploying police force, stating that such actions would be met with resistance.
Pandher also expressed concern about the health of farmer leader Dallewal and criticised the government’s stubborn attitude.
