Farmers Movement Archive

Life disrupted as bandh evokes huge response in Jalandhar

Jalandhar, March 26The Bharat Bandh call given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha today coincided with completion of four months of their ongoing protest at borders of Delhi saw a massive support from all sections of society.Shopkeepers, industrialists, transporters, educational institutes, lawyers, dairy operators and street vendors extended full support to farmers who have been agitating against the Centre to repeal three controversial agri laws.As the markets remained closed, highways were completely blocked using tractor-trailers. Only ambulances and emergency vehicles were allowed to reach their destinations. Buses remained completely off the road and rail traffic, too, remained paralysed. Even internal lanes of the city saw very little traffic.Farmers, farm labourers, arhtiyas and activists, took out a rally in the city on tractors, cars and two-wheelers. They carried banners and raised slogans against the Centre. Women participated in Bharat Bandh in large numbers and sat on roads, railway tracks and important intersections of the city.Some supporters also got public sector banks, including Punjab National Bank and SBI, forcefully shut. Bankers agreed to close down the business for civilians, while they continued to work inside due to the closing of financial year.Some youngsters also got shops and telecom company’s offices forcibly shut. Tehsil Complex, which was functioning as usual and had around 50 applicants waiting to deposit cash for registries was closed. Tehsidar was forced to ask the applicants to come some other day. The applicants got a bit panicky initially.The main protest site was PAP Chowk where farmers started to assemble in huge numbers since early morning. Members of all main organisations, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Doaba Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Kisan Mazdoor Union and Kirti Kisan Union.Shopkeepers and youth gathered at Model Town and held a silent protest in favour of farmers. They stood at various intersections holding placards ‘No farmers, No food’ and assured farming community that they would continue to extend them support.Lawyers held a protest outside the judicial complex where members of the District Bar Association gave speech in favour of farmers.

The Tribune

2021-03-27