Punjab Bandh on Dec 30: Big Trouble for Tourists and Transport...Ahead of New Year Bash in Hill Stations in Himachal ..
CHANDIGARH/SHIMLA: A massive farmers agitation is all set to disrupt normal life as various farmer unions gear up for a Kisan Mahapanchayat on December 30.
The Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana will be the main hotspots.
The Punjab bandh, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, will block roads and rail routes in Punjab from 7 AM to 4 PM.
Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, pensions for farm laborers, and justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Haryana CM Saini is expected to oppose the protests fiercely. Sources say his BJP government will try its best to sabotage the Mahapanchayat at the border.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has extended support to the agitation, signaling AAP’s alignment with the farmers.
Himachal Pradesh, though not directly impacted, won’t stay untouched.
Left-leaning Kisan organizations from the state will join the Mahapanchayat, showing solidarity with their Punjab counterparts. Sukhu’s government, however, has maintained a cautious stance.
Impact on Tourists and Transport
The timing of the bandh couldn’t be worse. With New Year celebrations just around the corner, thousands of tourists heading to Himachal Pradesh face uncertainty. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has issued an advisory warning of possible disruptions in bus services to and from Punjab.
HRTC has stationed inspectors at Punjab borders to monitor the situation.
Travelers are urged to confirm the status of buses before planning their trips.
Services are expected to resume after 4 PM, depending on the situation.
Political Firestorm Brewing
The Mahapanchayat is more than just a farmers’ protest. It’s a direct challenge to the Modi government at the Centre.
With Punjab and Haryana taking opposite stances, tensions are high.
The Modi government at the centre faces growing ante of the Punjab farmers for ignoring farmer demands. The Morcha is eyeing it as a big agitation after the one earlier that had led the PM to withdraw the controversial three farms Law.
