{IMAGE – FILE PHOTO, PTI}
On December 30, 2024, a state-wide shutdown in Punjab, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, caused major disruptions in travel and daily activities. Farmers blocked important roads and railway tracks from 7 am to 4 pm. They were demanding a law to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, cancellation of debts, pensions, and other changes to help farmers.
The protest led to the cancellation of more than 200 trains and caused major disruptions to bus services throughout the state. Key roads and toll booths, especially in Mohali district, were blocked, making it difficult for people to travel. However, emergency services continued to work as usual during the shutdown.
Farmers are protesting at the border between Punjab and Haryana, calling for a law to ensure they get a fair price for their crops. They also want a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for farmers over 60 years old, better wages under the MGNREGA work scheme, and justice for those affected by the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri in 2021.
In 2024, farmers in India started their second wave of ongoing protests and road blockades. These farmers are mainly from the northern states of Punjab and Haryana, and they are gathered at the Shambhu border in Punjab. Their main demands are to get a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all their crops and to have all their loans completely forgiven.
The farmers’ groups have said that if their requests are not addressed, they will increase their protests in the next few days, which could cause more widespread problems. They are asking the government to keep its promises and solve the farming crisis to avoid things getting worse.
BY – NIKITA
