Farmers Call for Punjab Bandh on December 30: What’s Open, What’s Closed

Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which is non-political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has also announced a Punjab Bandh on December 30, to heighten the ongoing protest over 13 demands, including MSPs with a legal guarantee.

This protest has been in the making for several months now. The farmer leaders are appealing to the general public and other organizations to participate in this movement.

Punjab Bandh on December 30 Timing

The bandh will be observed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Most public services will remain closed, but emergency services like medical aid will be available.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the bandh call has received wide acceptance from transporters, traders, employee unions, toll plaza workers, teachers’ associations, social organizations, and ex-servicemen. All schools, colleges, and bus services in the state would remain closed for the day.

Pandher clarifies that there will not be any disruptions to those going for essential purposes, and this includes students appearing for exams, people heading for airports, and wedding processions.

The farmers are demanding the central government accept their 13-point charter, with a key focus on legalizing MSP. The protest gained momentum after the Rail Roko movement on December 18. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26, 2024, to pressurize the government. Despite deteriorating health, Dallewal remains at the forefront of the movement.

A delegation of ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) officials visited Dallewal at Khanauri protest site, advising him to seek medical treatment. Punjab state government also acknowledged farmer demands but emphasized dialogue, not confrontation.

The bandh is getting massive support from common citizens and has demanded unity in Punjab. The farmer leaders are hopeful that the shutdown will make the central government listen to their grievances. Farmers on the SKM (non-political) and KMM have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024, after being prevented from marching to Delhi.

The outfit has tried several times to move towards the national capital but has been turned back by security forces.
While shops, educational institutions and public transport will remain close, essential services will function undisrupted. Citizens are warned to take advance planning with their days to avoid hardships. The Punjab Bandh is geared towards sending an effective message to the Center to fast-track action with regard to long-pending demands made by farmers.