Both road and rail traffic are expected to be disrupted on December 30 from 7 am to 4 pm in Punjab as part of the Punjab bandh called by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) (SKM-NP). This announcement was made by union leaders of both forums after a meeting held at the Khanauri border on Thursday afternoon.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of both the forums, said, “Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 am to 4 pm. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, marriage vehicles, or anyone in a dire emergency, will be allowed to pass.” He added, “Announcements will be made via loudspeakers in gurdwaras about the bandh. We have appealed to religious organisations to help spread the message.”
Meanwhile, a meeting with trade, cultural, social, and religious organisations, along with KMM and SKM-NP leaders, resulted in these groups announcing their support for the bandh, according to farmer leaders Pandher and Abhimanyu Kohar. To finalise preparations for the December 30 programme, another meeting with district-level trade, social, cultural, and religious organisations will take place on Friday at 3 pm.
Milk supply will be suspended on the morning of December 30, and sabzi mandis will open only after 4 pm. This means there will be no supply of milk, fruits, and vegetables until 4 pm on December 30
Dallewal’s health deteriorates further
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast unto death has completed a month, entering its 31st day on Thursday at the Khanauri Morcha in Patiala district near the Punjab-Haryana border on NH-52. According to doctors, his blood pressure has dropped to a critically low 88/59. Since Wednesday evening, Dallewal has been unable to consume water due to severe vomiting, leading to further deterioration in his condition. His pulse and immunity have significantly weakened.
On Wednesday evening, a delegation of Punjab ministers visited the Khanauri border, urging Dallewal to seek medical assistance. However, both Dallewal and other SKM-NP members refused any medical intervention. Doctors have warned that his condition is critical, with a high risk of abnormal heart rhythms that could lead to heart failure. The next court hearing regarding his health is scheduled for January 2.
SKM writes to President of India
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the flagship organisation behind the farmers’ movement against the now-repealed farm laws in 2020-21, wrote to President of India Draupadi Murmu on Thursday. The letter seeks an appointment with the President to discuss the pending demands of farmers and the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The President’s response is awaited.
- Solidarity with Dallewal: The bandh is primarily a show of solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death for over a month to press for their demands. His deteriorating health has become a major concern, and the bandh aims to amplify the pressure on the government to address their issues.
- Broad-Based Support: The bandh has garnered support from a wide spectrum of organizations, including trade unions, cultural groups, social organizations, and religious bodies. This broad-based support indicates significant public backing for the farmers' demands.
- Impact on Daily Life: The bandh is expected to significantly disrupt daily life in Punjab. The suspension of milk and vegetable supplies will impact households, and the closure of businesses and institutions will affect economic activity.
- Chakka Jam Strategy: The "chakka jam" strategy, which involves blocking roads and rail lines for a specific period, has been used by farmers' unions in the past as a powerful tool to exert pressure on the government.
- Government's Response: The Punjab government has urged Dallewal to seek medical assistance, but he has refused. The government's response to the bandh and the farmers' demands will be crucial in determining the future course of events.
- Focus on Pending Demands: The SKM's letter to President Murmu highlights the ongoing struggle of farmers for their demands, even after the repeal of the controversial farm laws. This underscores the continued need for dialogue and resolution of the issues raised by the farmers.