Mon Dec 30 06:25:26 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Shut Down Planned for Monday in Support of Hunger Striking Farmer Leader

**Chandigarh, December 29:** A complete shutdown of Punjab is planned for Monday, December 30, in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a 35-day hunger strike. The shutdown, called for by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM non-political), will be in effect from 7 am to 4 pm.

Dallewal is demanding 13 agricultural reforms, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops. Despite his deteriorating health, he has refused medical assistance offered by the Punjab government. This refusal comes after the Supreme Court criticized the state government for not hospitalizing him. A team from the Punjab government attempted to persuade Dallewal to seek medical treatment on Sunday, but he expressed concerns about potential force being used to remove him from his protest site.

While the shutdown will be comprehensive, essential services like medical care and emergency services will remain operational. Wedding processions will also be allowed unhindered. Educational institutions, many of which are already on winter break, will largely be unaffected, although some universities have rescheduled exams. Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University have postponed some exams scheduled for Monday.

The shutdown is expected to impact transportation significantly, with the Ludhiana Transport Dealers Association and State Transport Dealers Association announcing services will resume only after 4 pm. Over 200 locations are expected to experience roadblocks. Northern Railways has cancelled 150 trains, including three Vande Bharat Express services, due to planned rail blockades. Milk and vegetable supplies may also be affected due to the participation of transporters and vendors in the shutdown. Petrol and diesel pumps are likely to remain operational, but LPG supply may be disrupted. Government offices are expected to function, though attendance may be affected by transport disruptions.

The organizers have clarified that those traveling for essential purposes like flights or job interviews will not be affected by the shutdown.

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