December 30, 2024: Commuters across Punjab faced significant disruptions on Monday as farmers blocked roads and staged protests as part of a statewide bandh called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The bandh, which began at 7 am and will continue until 4 pm, was organized in protest against the Centre’s failure to meet the demands of the farming community.

Major highways, including the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway, saw traffic snarls as farmers staged a sit-in at the Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza. Similarly, in Amritsar, protesters gathered near the Golden Gate, blocking access to the city. Roads were also blocked in Bathinda’s Rampura Phul, leaving commuters stranded.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized that the bandh would not disrupt emergency services. “We have ensured that emergency services remain operational. Travelers heading to airports, job interviews, or weddings have been exempted from the bandh,” Pandher stated on Sunday.

The protest stems from long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Hundreds of farmers have been demonstrating at the Punjab-Haryana border, pressing the government to address their grievances.

The bandh’s impact extended to public transportation, with buses taken off the roads and several trains cancelled. Commuters were advised to avoid travel during the bandh hours to minimize inconvenience.

This latest demonstration underscores the growing frustration among farmers, who have been calling for stronger government support for their livelihood and policies that safeguard their interests.