Gramin Bharat Bandh today, likely to hit routine activities

Patiala: Routine activities are likely to be hit across the state as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and various trade unions have announced to observe Bharat Bandh against the Union Government tomorrow.

Farmer unions plan to observe Gramin Bharat Bandh by blocking entry to villages. All 10 central trade unions have also urged workers in both organised and unorganised sectors to suspend work tomorrow.

Truck operators, trader associations, market associations, arhtiya associations, petrol station associations, banking and industrial workers and LIC associations have voiced their support for the bandh, as stated by All-India Kisan Federation (AIKF) president and SKM spokesperson Prem Singh Bhangu.

He said, “The call for the bandh has received unprecedented response from the organisations in other states. We can expect its impact in neighbouring states and other parts of the country.”

The bandh would be enforced from 6 am to 4 pm during which there would be no agricultural activity in villages. MNREGS workers, rural labourers and agricultural workers would also join the protest against the government.

The supply and purchase of vegetables and other crops would be suspended and all shops in villages and towns would remain closed during the strike period.

The SKM and trade organisations have urged government and non-government offices, rural industrial and service sector institutions, and private sector enterprises to close their establishments and participate in the protest.

While farmers and trade unions are gearing up for the bandh, the government has also ordered the suspension of Internet services in Fatehgarh and surrounding villages around Shambhu border.

The developments are likely to affect students the most who are scheduled to appear for their Class X examination tomorrow. Various teachers’ unions have requested the government to postpone the examination, but the board has decided to proceed with the schedule.