Tue Dec 31 08:15:55 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Shut Down as Farmers Stage Statewide Bandh
**Chandigarh, December 31, 2024** – A statewide bandh in Punjab brought the state to a standstill today, impacting transportation, commerce, and education, in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s ongoing hunger strike. Dallewal, who is on his 36th day of fasting, is demanding the implementation of 13 farm reforms, including a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a complete debt waiver for farmers.
The bandh, organized by farmer unions, began at 7 am and is scheduled to last until 4 pm. Over 200 locations experienced significant disruptions due to road blockades, leading to the cancellation of over 150 trains, including Vande Bharat Express services. Buses are off the roads, and educational institutions remain closed. Fruit and vegetable markets are also affected due to trucking disruptions.
Dallewal’s health is reportedly deteriorating, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene. The court, which on Tuesday adjourned the hearing until January 2nd, has previously directed the Punjab government to hospitalize him within two days. While the Punjab government claims to be negotiating with the protesters, attempts to persuade Dallewal to accept medical treatment have so far been unsuccessful.
The bandh has drawn sharp criticism from the Punjab Congress, who accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of mishandling the situation and betraying the state’s farming community. Meanwhile, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang urged the central government to engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers.
The cold weather further compounded the challenges posed by the bandh. Temperatures across Punjab and neighboring Haryana remained significantly below normal, with dense fog reducing visibility in many areas. The situation continues to evolve, with the Supreme Court’s next hearing scheduled for January 2nd. The effectiveness of the government’s efforts to resolve the crisis remains uncertain.
First Piper 