The Punjab Bandh, called by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), will take place on Monday from 7 am to 4 pm.
The bandh is in support of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, demanding the implementation of 13 farm-related issues, including making the Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee for all crops.
Here’s a look at what services and places may be affected by the Bandh:
1.Educational institutions
Most schools in Punjab are on winter vacation, but colleges affiliated with Panjab University have postponed their Monday exams to Tuesday. Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar has also rescheduled exams, with those set for December 30 now taking place on January 12.
2.Fruits and vegetable mandis
Mandis selling fruits and vegetables will likely be affected as truckers supporting the bandh will not deliver fresh supplies before 4 pm on Monday.
3.Milk vendors
Milk vendors will not be distributing milk during the bandh hours, as it would be difficult to complete deliveries by the 7 am deadline in the harsh winter conditions.
4.Transport services
Transport services will be affected, with private and public buses staying off the roads. Farmer unions will block highways and link roads at over 200 locations. Railway tracks will also be blocked at 50 locations. Transport associations have said they will resume services after 4 pm.
5.Petrol pumps and LPG delivery
Petrol pumps will try to stay open to serve emergency needs, though fuel deliveries may be limited. LPG cylinder deliveries may also be delayed due to the transport strike.
Also Read: Farmers plan 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' protest on Jan 4
6.Beopar mandal
While the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal has not called for market closures, some local markets, especially in areas like Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, and Moga, may remain shut until 4 pm.
7.Government offices
Government offices will remain open, although employee attendance may be lower due to transport disruptions, especially for outstation employees.
8.Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
The SGPC has announced support for the bandh, and all SGPC offices in Punjab will remain closed on Monday.
What Will Be Open
Medical services will continue as usual, and wedding processions (baratis) will not be stopped. Local gurdwaras in various districts like Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur will provide langar at the protest sites.
A call has also been made for neighbouring states, including Haryana, to join the bandh in solidarity.
Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk supports fasting farm leader Dallewal
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