Bandh today, farmers told to halt supply of milk, veggies

Farmer unions have asked farmers to snap supply of milk, vegetables and other items to cities, besides blocking roads as part of Punjab Bandh on Monday.

Commuters and residents have been advised to stay off roads and trains from 7 am to 4 pm across the state in response to the call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political).

For the past few days, farmer unions have been approaching residents in cities and villages urging them to ensure a complete shutdown on Monday. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and the KMM have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the Haryana Police.

Farm leader and coordinator of both forums Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “Farm leaders will enforce a complete chakka jam on highways and railway lines from 7 am to 4 pm. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances or marriage vehicles, and people in emergency will be allowed to pass by.”

“Our agitation is in support of farmers who ended their lives by suicide. My appeal is to all farmers to gather on highways and ensure complete support to the agitating farmers,” Pandher said.

“We are thankful to all unions and associations that have extended support to the farmers’ movement. Our appeal to the state government is to allow farmers to hold peaceful protests,” he said.

SGPC offices and institutions will remain closed on December 30. The All India Kisan Congress has also backed the bandh call.