Bharat Bandh today, confusion over closure of schools, markets

Tribune News Service

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, February 15

Due to the Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s call for Bharat Bandh on February 16, there is confusion among residents whether schools, colleges and markets will open or not.

Pvt buses to stay off road

• Markets and petrol pumps to remain closed from 10 am to 4 pm
• Emergency services will not be affected. Milkmen, ambulances and school buses will not be stopped
• Private bus industry in Punjab announced that all private buses will stay off the road in solidarity with the farmers
• PSEB issues advisory asking students to reach exam centre at least an hour before in view of disruptions due to the Bharat Bandh

While the Petrol Pump Dealer Association of Punjab has announced support to the farmers by announcing the closure of petrol pumps from 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow (with exceptions for emergency services), there’s a dearth of information in people about the alternative routes, especially for those going to appear for exams at centres. Lack of clarity from the authorities has left parents apprehensive about transportation and logistics.

Social media platforms were today flooded with queries such as which establishments will be affected and whether alternative transportation options will be available amidst potential blockades on highways and city centres.

Rachna Monga, principal of Sanskriti KMV School, said the school had rescheduled tomorrow’s exam for Classes IX and XI. However, the board exams would be conducted as per the schedule at the school, which is a centre for three schools.

Similarly, there is uncertainty among other educational institutions and private offices, with no directives from local administration regarding the Bandh. Some offices have declared a holiday tomorrow and asked their employees to rather work on Sunday to compensate for the day.

Kanwar Sartaj Singh, senior vice-president of the Azaad Kisan Sangharsh Committee, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the Bandh but emphasised the necessity of such actions due to the government’s failure to address farmers’ grievances. He said market associations had extended their support and establishments would remain closed from 10 am to 4 pm.

He confirmed the participation of various farmers’ bodies, including the Azaad Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Punjab), BKU (Rajewal), BKU (Kadian), Doaba Kisan committee, Kirti Kisan Union, Jamhoori Kisan Union, Krantikari Kisan Union, BKU (Lakhowal), Majha Kisan Sangharsh committee, Kisan Sangharsh Committee, BKU (Punjab) and BKU Ekta Dakonda, in the Bharat Bandh. However, he assured that emergency services and school buses would not be disrupted during the protest.

Highways to be blocked from 12 noon to 4 pm

In Jalandhar, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha has announced to hold dharna at five locations - outside Jang-e-Azadi Memorial near Kartarpur, PAP Chowk, in front of Pepsi bottling plant in Phillaur, Nakodar entry point and Bhogpur - from 12 noon to 4 pm. In Hoshiarpur, all main points, including Prabhat Chowk, Naloyian Chowk, Pur Hiran (Phagwara road), main entry points of Dasuya, Mukerian and Tanda, are likely to remain closed for traffic during the Bandh hours, said BKU Qadian leader Parvinder Sajjna and Azad Kisan Committee leader Harbans Sangha.

Congress to join protest

Congress leaders have also decided to join the protest. Party leaders will hold a dharna at Shastri Chowk and Dhannowali. Party MLAs and ex-MLAs, however, will go to Chandigarh on Friday to hold a protest outside the BJP state headquarters there.

Lawyers to observe ‘no work day’ today

Jalandhar: The District Bar Association announced ‘no work day’ on Friday to express solidarity with farmers and trade unions who have given the Bharat Bandh call. DBA Jalandhar president Aditya Jain said the decision had been taken following a meeting of executive committee so as to avoid any inconvenience to lawyers and litigants due to the bandh call. The DBA has requested its members and judicial officials and administrative officials to cooperate.

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