Punjab is set to experience a statewide bandh on Monday as part of the farmers’ ongoing agitation — Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0. The bandh call, given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (non-political), will run from 7 am to 4 pm and is expected to disrupt services across various sectors, especially the rail and road traffic.

The bandh comes as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike reaches its 34^th day. Dallewal’s indefinite fast is a protest against the government’s inaction on 13 critical demands, including the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. His health condition has become a cause for concern, adding urgency to the ongoing protests.

The bandh is expected to have a significant impact on daily life across the State. Punjab Roadways and private transport unions have suspended their services for the duration of the bandh. Chakka jam are planned at over 200 spots on highways and link roads, while railway tracks will be blocked at 50 locations.

Many markets, including those in Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, and Moga, will remain closed. Local business groups have extended support to the bandh, although larger business associations have left participation decisions to individual chapters.

Petrol pumps and LPG cylinder deliveries will also be affected, with transport unions joining the protests. However, emergency requirements will be attended to. Deliveries of milk and fresh produce will be disrupted due to the transport strike and mandi shutdowns.

While most of the state’s schools are having their winter vacations, the colleges, including those affiliated with Panjab University, have postponed Monday’s exams to Tuesday; and announced closures for the day.

While no formal strike has been announced by government employees, attendance is likely to be low due to transport challenges. Medical services, including hospitals and emergency facilities, will function uninterrupted. Emergency services, including medical facilities, airport-related travel, will not be disrupted during the bandh. Essential events like weddings and interviews have been assured safe passage during the bandh hours.

Local gurdwaras in districts such as Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, and Ludhiana have arranged langar (community kitchens) to support the protesters and the general public.

Local communities across Punjab have been urged to support the bandh by adjusting their daily schedules. Residents have been advised to stock essential supplies in advance. Farmers have assured that emergencies and critical services will not be obstructed, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their protest.

Citizens have been advised to plan their activities accordingly to avoid inconvenience on Monday. Farmer leader and KMM coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher has urged the public to complete essential tasks a day in advance to minimize disruption. The bandh is expected to impact millions of residents across Punjab, with far-reaching consequences for daily life and commerce.

Support for the Bandh

The bandh call has received widespread support from various organizations and unions. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced the closure of its offices and the rescheduling of meetings in solidarity with the farmers.

Besides, both private and public transport unions have pledged full participation. The fruit and vegetable mandis are also expected to remain closed as truckers have also announced to join the agitation.

A day preceding the bandh, farmers organized a tractor march in Ludhiana, calling on the public to support their cause. Protests and sit-ins have continued at key border sites, such as Shambhu and Khanauri, where farmers have been steadfast despite severe winter conditions.

The ‘Delhi Chalo Andolan 2.0’ began on February 13, 2024, at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Since then, farmers have attempted to march to Delhi multiple times, between December 6 and 14, facing resistance from Haryana’s authorities. These attempts have been met with water cannons, tear gas shelling, and other measures, but the farmers have remained resolute.

1,125 Govt Buses on 577 Routes to be Suspended

The Punjab Roadways and PRTC workers’ unions have also announced their participation in the Punjab bandh, suspending services of 1,125 government buses on 577 routes for four hours — from 10 am to 2 pm. This partial strike aimed at balancing the farmers’ cause with public convenience, ensuring minimal disruption for daily commuters.

The affected routes include inter-state services to Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, with operations halted at depots in Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. Ahead of the bandh, bus conductors have been informing passengers to minimize inconvenience. Private bus operators have also extended their support to the protest.

PU, GNDU Postpones Exams

In light of the Punjab Bandh, Panjab University, Chandigarh; and Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, have postponed all undergraduate degree exams scheduled for December 30, 2024. GNDU issued a notification confirming the decision and announced that the deferred exams will now be conducted on January 12, 2025. Panjab University has also announced postponement of exams to support the statewide bandh.

The administration has also advised students and exam centers to align their preparations with the revised schedule. Detailed information regarding the new dates and timings will be made available on the university’s official website. Students are encouraged to regularly check the portal for updates and instructions.

Additionally, the university has directed all departments and exam centers to ensure readiness for the revised examination dates. The controller of examinations emphasized the importance of adhering to the updated schedule and completing all related formalities on time.

Tractor Rally held to generate Support for Bandh

In a display of solidarity, farmers in Ludhiana on Sunday organized a tractor rally, urging the traders and general public to support the upcoming Punjab Bandh. The bandh, announced to protest various demands, aims to shut down business operations across the State. Farmer leaders appealed to local shopkeepers, factory owners, and office operators to close their establishments from 7 am to 4 pm to make the strike successful.

A prominent farmer leader Inderbir Singh emphasized that the bandh would be a peaceful demonstration and that emergency services, including healthcare, would remain operational. He affirmed that the shutdown would be enforced fully across Ludhiana, signaling the farmers’ strong resolve.

Farmers’ Demands

The farmers have been demanding the legal guarantee of MSP for crops, loan waivers, and reforms to address agricultural grievances, among other things. The ongoing protests reflect deep dissatisfaction with the Central Government’s lack of action on these issues. Farmer leaders have also criticized the Supreme Court for not holding the Government accountable for meeting their demands.

Mahapanchayat on Jan 4

Further escalating their pressure on the Centre, a Mahapanchayat is scheduled for January 4 at the Khanauri border protest site, where farmer leaders will deliberate on the next steps in their agitation.

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Punjab Bandh Today

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“It’s Up to Centre to Decide on Dallewal's Eviction”, says farmers at Khanauri

Khanauri: As Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s indefinite hunger strike enters its 34^th day on Sunday, farmer leaders at Khanauri protest site have made it clear that they will continue their demonstration in line with Gandhian principles, leaving it up to the Government to decide whether to forcibly evict their leader. The statement comes amid growing tension, as the Supreme Court, a day before, sharply criticized the Punjab Government for not transferring Dallewal to a hospital, despite his deteriorating health.

Dallewal, a key figure in the ongoing farmer protests at the Punjab-Haryana border, is leading the protest seeking a legal guarantee for MSP on crops. His fast has drawn significant attention, with his supporters determined to press the Centre for their demands.

Speaking to the press at the protest site, a prominent farmer leader and Dallewal’s aide Abhimanyu Kohar said: “The Centre has been trying to defame and suppress our agitation from the very beginning.” He accused the government of portraying farmers as stubborn while disregarding their legitimate demands. “It is the Centre that is adopting this approach, not listening to us, and ignoring the issues faced by farmers,” Kohar added.

Kohar emphasized that the farmers were adhering to Gandhian principles of peaceful protest, despite the immense pressure and hardships they have faced. “Our protests have been peaceful, despite the government’s oppression,” he said, noting that they have continued their struggle without resorting to violence. “Now, it is up to the government and constitutional bodies to decide whether they want to use force to evict Dallewal,” he added.

Kohar also placed the responsibility for any escalation squarely on the Centre, urging the Government to address the farmers’ concerns rather than escalate the situation.

Farmers have vowed to continue their agitation, with Kohar making an impassioned appeal to the people of the country. “This movement for MSP is at a critical stage. We are on the brink of victory. Dallewal has put his life on the line for the cause,” he said, urging the citizens to decide whether to remain passive or come to Khanauri in solidarity. Kaka Singh Kotra, another farmer leader, echoed this sentiment, calling on Punjabis to gather in large numbers to support Dallewal.

Meanwhile, in a video message on Saturday, Dallewal responded to the Supreme Court’s remarks, refuting claims that he was being held against his will. “Who spread this misconception that I am being kept hostage? I am here of my own volition, and I am not under anyone’s pressure,” Dallewal said. He emphasized that his hunger strike was a personal decision, rooted in the suffering of farmers across the country. “Seven lakh farmers have committed suicide due to debt. Saving farmers is necessary, and that’s why I am here,” he said.

Notably, the Supreme Court has given the Punjab Government until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to seek medical treatment, allowing the state to seek assistance from the Centre if needed. However, Dallewal has thus far refused medical attention, with a team of doctors monitoring his condition round-the-clock. The coming days will be critical as the protest enters a decisive phase.

Khap Mahapanchayat Supports Farmers’ Protest, Sets Jan 9 Deadline To Accept Demands

Hisar/Chandigarh: A khap mahapanchayat, held at Baas village in Hisar on Sunday, has extended support to the ongoing farmers’ stir. The resolutions made at the gathering could influence the future of the farmer protest, as various issues, including farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike, were discussed. One of the farmers at the mahapanchayat said that the Centre Government should talk to farmers and address their demands. “If the farmers’ demands are not met soon, the next khap mahapanchayat will be held on January 9,” he added. 

The organisers of mahapanchayat claimed that representatives from 102 khap panchayats, leaders from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, and other farmer organizations attended the mahapanchayat. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher and Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia were also present.

Earlier, farmer leaders had called on Haryana's khap panchayats to back their cause and advocate for the fulfillment of their long-standing demands.