Amritsar, 30 Dec. 2024: A total shutdown gripped Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran on Monday as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha called for a Punjab bandh to press the Centre on demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
The bandh disrupted life across the region, particularly in Tarn Taran, Jandiala Guru, Ajnala, and Majitha, where the protests remained peaceful. “The overwhelming response to the bandh shows strong support from the public for the farmers’ cause, which is everyone’s cause,” said Kanwardalip Singh, a KMSC leader.
In Amritsar, commercial areas like Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, and IDH Market were deserted as shops, restaurants, and local businesses stayed closed. Residents chose to stay indoors, and traffic was minimal, with no buses or auto-rickshaws on the streets. Government and private offices, banks, and schools were closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., while healthcare services continued without disruption.
Protesters, mainly farmers, gathered at Hall Gate and marched through the markets to ensure the shutdown was observed. “Farmers have received widespread backing today, showing that everyone is united for this cause,” Singh added.
Gurdaspur also witnessed a complete shutdown, with farm union leaders urging local traders and businesses to support the bandh. A similar scene unfolded in Batala, while Pathankot saw mixed reactions. Although many shops closed, some remained open, only to shut as protesters marched through the markets.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and other Sikh organizations, including the Sikh Students Federation (Mehta), also closed their offices in solidarity with the farmers’ movement.
