Punjab Bandh: Farmers Protest For MSP Guarantee Halts Train Services Amid Dallewal's Hunger Strike

Life has come to a standstill in Punjab on Monday (30 December) as farmers observe a statewide bandh, demanding a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

The bandh, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, disrupted rail and road traffic and called for the closure of commercial establishments from 7 am to 4 pm.

Farmers staged protests on key highways and toll plazas, including the Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway and near Amritsar’s Golden Gate, causing significant disruption to commuter traffic. Railways canceled over 150 trains, including the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express, as no trains entered Punjab.

“All establishments are closed. Punjabis have shown their unity today, and they are extending full support,” said farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher in Amritsar. He added, “We are seeing a successful bandh. Train services are also completely suspended.”

Emergency and essential services, however, were allowed to operate. “Anyone traveling to the airport, attending a job interview, or going to a wedding will be allowed,” assured Pandher.

The bandh’s impact was felt in neighboring regions like Ambala, where buses took alternate routes to avoid Punjab. Daily commuters and students traveling to Chandigarh and Mohali faced significant challenges.

Markets, grain mandis, and public transport were largely shut across Punjab, with strong support from transporters, employee unions, and traders’ bodies.

Meanwhile, the hunger strike by 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 35th day. Refusing medical treatment, Dallewal remains firm on not breaking his fast until the government addresses farmers’ demands.

The Supreme Court has given the Punjab government until 31 December to persuade Dallewal to seek medical care, allowing the state to seek Centre’s assistance if needed.

Farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border since 13 February, demanding MSP guarantees, debt waivers, pensions, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Attempts to march to Delhi were repeatedly thwarted by security forces.