Tue Dec 31 01:36:18 UTC 2024: ## Punjab Grinds to Halt in Statewide Bandh Supporting Fasting Farmer Leader

**Chandigarh, [Date]** – A statewide bandh in Punjab brought road and rail traffic to a complete standstill today in support of farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a 35-day fast-unto-death. The protest, organized by Kisan unions, lasted from 7 am to 4 pm and largely passed peacefully, though it significantly disrupted daily life across the state.

Farmers blocked major roads, highways, and toll plazas across Malwa, Doaba, and Majha regions. All bus services, including Punjab Roadways and PRTC, ceased operation, with private operators also joining the shutdown. Solidarity was expressed by various unions, including the Revenue Patwar Union and PRTC Employees’ Union.

The impact was widespread. Cities like Patiala saw deserted streets and markets, with government offices, the railway station, and Punjabi University closed. In Sangrur, the bandh was complete, with roads blocked at multiple points and even railway tracks obstructed near Lehragaga. Similar scenes unfolded in Muktsar, where roads were blocked and many petrol stations remained shut. Abohar saw banks affected and sit-ins at major intersections.

The disruption extended to Moga and Faridkot, where the lack of milk and vegetable supplies highlighted the impact on essential services. In Jalandhar, the national highway was blocked, and the city’s main markets remained closed. Ferozepur also saw widespread road closures and business closures. Phagwara, Goraya, Banga, Phillaur, Nawanshahr, and Nakodar also experienced a complete standstill. Hundreds of rail passengers were stranded at Phagwara station.

While the bandh was largely peaceful, the actions resulted in significant inconvenience for commuters and disrupted the supply of essential goods. The farmers’ demands center around a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, among other issues.

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