Punjab Bandh Brings State to a Standstill

Chandigarh : Punjab witnessed widespread disruption on December 30, 2024, as the statewide bandh called by farmer unions in support of Jagjit Singh Dallewal turned life upside down. Dallewal, a prominent farm leader, has been on a fast-unto-death for the last 35 days, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops.

The bandh, which lasted from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, effectively brought the state to a grinding halt. Traffic, both road and rail, was severely impacted across the Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions, where farmers blocked major highways, toll plazas, and railway tracks, causing massive inconvenience to commuters and residents.

In cities like Patiala, Sangrur, Moga, and Faridkot, markets and roads were deserted. Government institutions, including railway stations, Punjabi University, and many private establishments, remained closed. Public and private buses, including those operated by Punjab Roadways, PRTC, and private operators, stayed off the roads.

Farmers not only blocked key roads but also forced shopkeepers to shut down their businesses. In Sangrur, all shops, including chemist shops, remained closed as protestors staged dharnas in multiple locations. The Gurne Railway Station, near Lehragaga, witnessed a rail blockade, while in Muktsar, major roads including Muktsar-Kotkpaura, Muktsar-Malout, and Malout-Fazilka, were blocked, leading to severe disruption in the transportation of goods and essential services.

In Abohar, banks and several businesses were affected, with protesters blocking roads such as Abohar-Malout Chowk and Sriganganagar Road. However, emergency services remained operational throughout the day.

In Jalandhar, members of the BKU (Sidhupur) and BKU (Ekta-Sidhupur) protested by blocking national highways, although emergency vehicles were allowed to pass. The Phagwara Railway Station became a hub of stranded passengers, as rail services were suspended for the entire day.

Life in Moga and Faridkot also came to a halt, as there was no supply of milk and vegetables. Farmers blocked roads, including the Ludhiana-Ferozepur, Moga-Jalandhar highways, and Ferozepur-Moga-Ludhiana railway track. The Bathinda-Amritsar and Faridkot-Kotkapura highways were also obstructed.

In Ferozepur, several roads including Talwandi Bhai underbridge, Makhu, and Basti Tankan Wali saw heavy protests, while markets and educational institutions remained shut. Farmers also blocked key intersections, causing a complete standstill in the region.

Despite the disruptions, the bandh was largely peaceful, and there were no reports of violence. The farmers’ unity in organizing this protest has once again highlighted the ongoing tension between the farming community and the government regarding MSP and agricultural policies.