30th December: Punjab Bandh Announced as Farmers' Agitation Gains Momentum

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In support of the ongoing farmer agitation on Shambhu and Khanauri border, farmers have now announced Punjab Bandh on December 30. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has made this announcement, however, emergency services will remain operational during this period.

Earlier on Wednesday, farmers blocked railway tracks in Punjab for 3 hours, which affected the movement of trains. By 12 noon, farmers sat on railway tracks at 48 different places, disrupting train operations. By 3 pm, the farmers had vacated the tracks.

Due to this protest by farmers, the movement of many trains was affected. The Delhi-Pathankot Superfast Express had to be stopped at Dhandhari Kalan in Ludhiana. Some trains had to be cancelled, while some were diverted. In total, the movement of about 60 trains was affected due to this protest.

An emergency meeting of the United Kisan Morcha (SKM) has started at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh regarding the hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at Khanauri border. It is expected that after this meeting, an announcement of support to Dallewal's struggle can be made.

The farmers are scheduled to meet the Governor at 7 pm. Earlier this meeting was to be held on 24 December, but it has been rescheduled in view of the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal.