Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Farmers have declared a statewide shutdown in Punjab on December 30 to press for their demands, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) and 12 other issues. The protests have brought life to a standstill, with highways blocked, exams postponed, and major disruptions reported across the state.
Highways and Transportation Hit
Starting at 7 AM, all highways in Punjab have been blocked. By 10 AM, buses were completely halted, and thousands of farmers occupied key routes, including the Amritsar-Delhi and Jalandhar-Delhi highways. Reports indicate that the Vande Bharat Express and 150 other trains have been cancelled, while several train routes have been diverted. The protest has also impacted interstate connectivity, with the Delhi Highway and roads linking Punjab to Himachal Pradesh severely disrupted.
Shops, Offices, and Services Closed
All markets, offices, petrol pumps, and gas stations in the state have been shut down in response to the protest. However, essential services like medical stores and emergency facilities remain operational. Airports and passage for those attending weddings, interviews, or exams have not been obstructed.
Support and Arrangements
Farmers’ leaders claim widespread public support for the bandh. Provisions, such as a langar near Amritsar’s Golden Gate, have been arranged to support protesters. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the collective resolve to secure their demands through peaceful demonstration.
Key Impacts:
•Transport: All highways in Punjab closed, major traffic disruptions.
•Education: Exams in universities across Punjab and Chandigarh postponed.
•Railways: 150 trains cancelled, several routes diverted.
•Markets and Offices: Both government and private offices, petrol stations, and markets shut.
