Punjab Bandh Garners Support from Farmers and Political Leaders

 The All India Kisan Congress has extended its support to the Punjab Bandh being observed today (December 30, 2024). Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress and Congress MLA from Bholath, has urged the people of Punjab to join in solidarity with the farmers.

The bandh was called earlier by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Sarvan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader from the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee-Punjab, announced on December 26 that the bandh would last from 7 am to 4 pm.

Farmers' Protests and Key Demands

Farmers are intensifying their protests over critical demands such as a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, halting electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The protesters, under the banners of SKM (Non-Political) and other groups, have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, following their march to Delhi being blocked by security forces.

In addition to demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, they call for equitable treatment and policy changes to alleviate farmer indebtedness. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal (70) has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border since November 26, intensifying pressure on the government.

Criticism of Government Response

Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticized the government, claiming it prioritizes corporate loan waivers over farmers’ legitimate demands. He pointed out the stark contrast between waiving corporate loans worth Rs 15 lakh crore and neglecting the plight of farmers. Khaira also labeled the recent Pilibhit encounter, which resulted in the deaths of three suspected Khalistani terrorists, as fake, urging the Supreme Court to investigate.

Bandh Implications

The bandh will result in widespread closures, including schools, colleges, buses, rail services, shops, government and non-government offices, petrol pumps, and vegetable markets. Approximately 200 to 300 blockades are expected. Emergency and medical services will remain operational, and essential activities, such as student examinations and airport travel, will not be disrupted.

This unified action by farmers highlights the enduring struggle for their demands and calls attention to systemic challenges facing the agricultural community.