Punjab Farmers' Nine-Hour Shutdown Paralyzes Daily Life

A nine-hour bandh in Punjab on Monday, organized by farmers protesting for a legal guarantee of minimum crop prices, brought normal life to a halt. Rail operations were suspended, roads were blocked, and shops closed, marking widespread support for the cause spearheaded by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

The state of Punjab on Monday witnessed a significant disruption of normal life due to a nine-hour 'bandh' orchestrated by farmers. The strike was called to demand a legal guarantee of minimum support prices for their crops from the central government.

The bandh, lasting from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., saw the suspension of rail operations, halted bus services, and closed shops, leaving passengers and commuters stranded. This protest, which took place amid cold weather and fog, was deemed successful by the farmer leaders, who expressed gratitude to the public for their support.

Key roads and highways in multiple cities were blocked, and transportation came to a standstill. The protest also saw support from transporters, employee unions, and traders, despite emergency services being allowed to operate. The protest was in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose health has declined due to a protest fast.

(With inputs from agencies.)