Amid the farmers’ protest, several farmer unions have called for a ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh’ in order to press their demands on the central government. Farmer unions, including the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), a part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and Noida-based Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) have called a day-long bandh between 6 am to 4 pm today.
BKU local leader Pawan Khatana said during the “Bharat Bandh” called by his union, farmers have been asked to strike their work for one day to press the government for unmet demands.
Several political parties, including the Congress, have also extended support to the ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh’.
What’s open, what’s closed?
- Today, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC) will close its offices and educational institutions to support the Bharat Bandh called by farmer unions.
- In Noida, new rules have been issued in view of the Bharat Bandh under CrPC Section 144. People will not be allowed to have big gatherings or marches without permission. This includes political or religious events.
- Emergency services like hospitals, pharmacies, and ambulances will work. Additionally, educational institutions like schools and colleges will be open too unless something changes. Parents and students are advised to contact school authorities for any possible change.
- Commuters travelling to Delhi and coming back from the capital city have been urged to opt for metro rail service “as far as possible” to avoid inconvenience as traffic restrictions have been put in place.
- Another trader body, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has decided not to be a part of Bharat Bandh and will conduct their business as usual. All markets across the country will remain fully operational, ensuring regular business activities, the traders’ body said.
- Around 3,000 state-run buses will stay off the roads on Friday as driver and conductor unions affiliated with Punjab Roadways and PRTC have thrown their weight behind the Bharat Bandh against the Centre’s proposed hit-and-run law. The law, under Section 106(2)BNS, proposes stringent penalties, including a 10-year jail term and a fine of Rs 7 lakh, for drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents.
- Schools, colleges and markets are open in Ludhiana, but the bus service is halted. Farmers have blocked the main roads in different locations.