Mon Dec 30 10:36:03 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Bandh Disrupts Northern India: Hundreds of Trains Cancelled
**Chandigarh, Punjab –** A complete shutdown of Punjab today, Monday, has caused widespread disruption across northern India. The bandh, called in support of hunger-striking farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, has seen farmers block roads and railway tracks across the state, from Mohali and Chandigarh to Ludhiana, Amritsar, Firozpur, and Bhatinda.
Over 221 trains have been cancelled or diverted, impacting thousands of passengers. While organizers initially stated that emergency services and wedding-related travel would be unaffected, movement has been severely hampered for the general public. Schools and colleges are already closed for winter break, and Punjab University has postponed exams. Bus services are expected to resume after 4 PM.
The bandh, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), is protesting 13 demands, including Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops. The farmers claim the government is not addressing their concerns. Despite two rounds of talks between government officials and farmer leaders, including a high-level team that visited Dallewal on Sunday, no resolution has been reached. Dallewal has reportedly refused medical assistance.
Indian Railways has confirmed that a significant number of trains have been affected, with cancellations, diversions, and delays impacting services across the region. The railway is taking steps to minimize inconvenience to passengers, providing basic amenities where trains are temporarily halted. The situation remains tense, and the impact on the state’s economy is expected to be considerable.
First Piper 