Farmers are protesting at the Delhi border demanding the fulfillment of 12 key demands, including the guarantee of minimum support prices. They insist either their demands be met or they be allowed to enter Delhi.
Amidst this, farmer organizations have announced a nationwide Bharat Bandh today. Trade unions have also extended their support to this call. The bandh began at 6 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m. During this time, farmers may block several roads across the country.
It’s noteworthy that the dialogue between farmers and the government on Thursday remained inconclusive. Farmer leader Jagjeet Singh Dallewal stated that their peaceful protest would continue. Another round of talks between farmers and the government has been scheduled for Sunday.
Here are 10 significant updates related to the Bharat Bandh:
- The nationwide Bharat Bandh, as per the call by the United Farmers’ Front, will be effective from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., affecting rural areas’ transportation, private offices, markets, and agricultural activities, including MGNREGA.
- Farmers have called for a complete shutdown of industrial activities in rural areas. Essential services, however, will remain unaffected.
- Banks will remain open during the Bharat Bandh. They will operate as usual, although resistance from farmers in rural areas is possible.
- Punjab Roadways will be shut down for four hours. Additionally, several national highways may be blocked for the duration.
- Toll booths in Haryana will be made toll-free for three hours. Toll collection will be suspended from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Demonstrators will showcase their demands through street plays, music, and poetry, shedding light on the plight of farmers and laborers.
- Supply, procurement, and brick kiln activities of vegetables and other crops will be suspended.
- Both private and government vehicles are urged not to operate. However, emergency services will be allowed to pass.
- Private bus services in Punjab have expressed support for the Bharat Bandh. No private buses will operate in Punjab on February 16.
- Noida Police has issued an alert and will conduct checking campaigns on roads connecting Greater Noida and Noida to Delhi borders. Commuters are advised to use the metro as much as possible to avoid inconvenience