Farmers protesting against the three agricultural laws passed by the parliament called Bharat Bandh to signal that they were intensifying their enthusiasm. The nationwide strike began at 11 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m., as protesters said they did not want to cause trouble for the public. The center has tried to find a way to end the unrest, but so far five rounds of talks have failed to accommodate farmers.
In Delhi, police have warned that strict security measures will be put in place to crack down on people who try to disrupt public order or close shops. Farmers have been protesting around the state capital since November 26.
The Delhi Traffic Police said the border (on the Haryana side) of Singu, Avandi, Piav Maniari, Mangesh, Tikri and Jaroda was closed. State Highway 44 was also closed on both sides. Tourists are therefore advised to choose other routes through the border of Lampur, Safiabad and Saboli. It said those traveling to Noida were advised to take the DND because the Chilla border on the Noida connection road was also closed for traffic. The Ghazipur border on NH-24 was also closed for traffic from Ghaziabad to Delhi.
- Farmers ’Square: Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, who have been protesting for the past 11 days, insist on repealing three agricultural laws. They called the laws “anti-farmer” and said that their minimum support price (MSP) would pave the way for the removal of security cushions and the removal of mandibles, leaving them at the mercy of large companies.
- Government: The Center has introduced these three laws – the Farmers ‘Product Trade and Trade (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers’ (Rights and Protection) Price Guarantee and Agricultural Services Act, 2020 and Important Goods (Amendments). ) Law, 2020 – excludes agricultural intermediaries and allows farmers to sell them anywhere in the country. The government has said it will not repeal the laws, but has agreed to amend them at the request of farmers. Another meeting is scheduled for December 9.
“A new century cannot be built with old laws,” Prime Minister Modi said. - Parties supporting Bharat Bandh: Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), Rashtriya People’s Party (RJD), Trenamol Parliament (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhag DMK), Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Indian National People’s Party (INLD) supported the band’s call. AAP will hold a nationwide strike at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in support of the nationwide strike at the ITO port in the capital.
- What about banks and trade unions? The Bharat Bandh, a joint platform of the 10 Central Trade Unions, supported the call. These unions are the National Trade Union Congress of India (INTUC), the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Indian Mazdor Assembly (HMS), the Indian Trade Union Center (CITU), the All India Union of Trade Unions (AIUTUC), the trade union coordination Center (TUCC), Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEWA), All India Central Union of Trade Unions (AICCTU), Union of Labor Development (LPF) and Union Congress of Trade Unions (UTUC). A number of banking associations expressed their solidarity with the protesting farmers and called on the government to resolve their concerns as soon as possible. However, he said he would not participate in the Bharat Bandh like the Union of Banks – All India Banking Officers Association (AIBOC) and the All India Bankers Association (AIBEA).
- Carriers and Traders: The Transporters’ Union (AIMTC) on Monday said it would suspend operations across the country and support the Bharat Bandh, which has disturbed farmers. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is the highest body of carriers and represents about 95 million trucks and other entities. Some cars and rental car associations in New Delhi, including those associated with app-based collectors, also decided to join the Bharat Bandh on Tuesday. However, many other car and taxi associations supported the demands made by the rebel farmers, but decided to continue normal services. Markets across the country, including Delhi, will remain open on Tuesday and the transport sector will function normally, said the body of businessmen CAIT and the All India Transport Welfare Association on Monday. In Bombay, the best buses and taxis run normally.
- Railway Union extends support to AIRF: On Monday, the All India Railway Federation (AIFF) on Monday expressed support for the Federation of Indian Railways (AIFF) convened by the Union of Farmers ‘Union (OWU) convened by the Union of Farmers’ Union protesting against the Centre’s new agriculture law. Shiva Gopal, Secretary-General of the All India Railways Federation (AIRF), met with rebel farmers on the border in Mishra Sinh and assured them that the members of the Railway Union would be with them in the fight against the new agricultural law.