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The Punjab Bandh, organised by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has brought the state to a standstill today, December 30. 

The bandh aims to press the Centre for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and support ongoing farmers' protests.

Rail services severely disrupted

Train services across Punjab have been heavily affected due to the "Rail Roko" agitation planned from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Key highlights include:

 

• Over 200 trains disrupted: 163 trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express, have been canceled.
• Vande Bharat Express affected: Routes between New Delhi-Vaishno Devi, New Delhi-Amb Andaura, and Chandigarh-Ajmer are among those hit.
• Shatabdi Express cancellations: Services to Kalka, Chandigarh, and Amritsar are impacted.
• Several passenger and intercity trains across Punjab, Haryana, and nearby states have also been delayed or canceled.
• Services are expected to resume after 4 p.m.

#WATCH | Visuals from the Khanauri border as farmers continue to protest over their various demands. pic.twitter.com/9jfmhDxmE2

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024

Farmers protest: Key background

The Punjab bandh comes after multiple failed attempts by farmers to march into Delhi, blocked by Haryana police at Shambhu and Khanauri border points.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a 67-year-old farmer leader, has been on a hunger strike since November 26 at the Khanauri border, demanding MSP guarantees from the Centre.

Protesters have taken to blocking roads and rail tracks to draw attention to their demands.

What’s open and what’s closed in Punjab today?

The Punjab Bandh has received widespread support, leading to major disruptions:

 

#WATCH | Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Assembly LoP and Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey says, "Our national president had announced to give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of deceased in Sambhal. We are going to Sambhal today to hand over those cheques." pic.twitter.com/DlWs2VFn36

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024

• Closed: Shops, vegetable markets, petrol pumps, gas agencies, road transport, and both government and private offices.
• Rail transport: Passenger and freight trains are halted due to rail blockades.
• Open: Essential services like medical facilities, weddings, job interviews, and airport transfers remain unaffected.

Backing for Punjab Bandh

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed that various groups, including traders, transporters, employees' unions, sarpanches, and teachers, are supporting the bandh. Roads and streets are expected to remain deserted as citizens show solidarity with the farmers’ cause.

 

The Punjab bandh today underscores the determination of the farmers' protest to achieve their demands, even as it creates widespread disruptions.

 

Also Read: Punjab Bandh tomorrow: Know what will be shut