Protesting farmers have called for a “Bharat Bandh” on December 8 after several rounds of talks with the Central government have not yielded any result. Farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been agitating on the outskirts of Delhi against the three new farm laws. Last week, they said that they would occupy toll plazas on December 8.
“In our meeting today, we have decided to give a ‘Bharat Bandh’ call on December 8 during which we will also occupy all toll plazas,” PTI reported on December 4, quoting a farmer leader named Harvinder Singh Lakhwal.
Agitating farmers say that the new farm laws would do away with the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporations.
Traffic Alert
Delhi Traffic Police have issued traffic alerts for commuters through Twitter. “Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders are closed. NH 44 is closed on both sides. Take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road. Avoid Outer Ring Rd , GTK road, NH 44,” tweeted the traffic police.
Traffic AlertSinghu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders are closed. NH 44 is closed on both sides. Take alternate routes via Lampur,Safiabad,Saboli borders.Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK road.Avoid Outer Ring Rd , GTK road, NH 44
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) December 7, 2020
Here are some more alerts by the police.
Traffic AlertThe chilla border on Noida link road is closed for traffic from Noida to Delhi due to farmers protests near Gautam Budh Dwar. People are advised to avoid Noida link road for coming to Delhi and use DND
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) December 7, 2020
Traffic AlertThe Gazipur border on on NH 24 is closed for traffic from Gaziabad to Delhi due to farmers protests . People are advised to avoid NH 24 for coming to Delhi and use Apsara/ Bhopra/DND for coming to Delhi.
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) December 7, 2020
Traffic AlertTikri, Jharoda Borders are closed for any Traffic Movement.Badusarai Border is open only for Light Motor Vehicle like Cars and two wheelers.Jhatikara Border is open only for two wheeler traffic
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) December 7, 2020
Centre’s stand
Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary on Sunday reiterated that the farm laws would not be repealed, reported ANI. However, he added that some amendments to the Acts can be made to acknowledge agitating farmers’ demands.
“These laws passed by the government will give freedom to farmers. We always said farmers should have the right to sell their crop wherever they want. Even Swaminathan Commission’s report recommends that. I don’t think the laws should be repealed,” said Choudhary.
Opposition parties extend support
Several opposition parties last week announced support to the Bharat Bandh. The RJD, the Trinamool Congress and the Left parties have extended their support to the countrywide strike. DMK leader MK Stalin spearheaded the protests in Tamil Nadu. The Congress has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to test the patience of farmers. “Congress Party stands as one with our Farmers & Farm Labourers in the 8th December ‘Bharat Bandh’. Drunk with power, an arrogant BJP Govt can’t hear the anguish nor feel the pain of India’s ‘Annadata’!” tweeted spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, using the hashtag ‘8 December Bharat Bandh’.
Congress Party stands as one with our Farmers & Farm Labourers in the 8th December ‘Bharat Bandh’.Drunk with power, an arrogant BJP Govt can’t hear the anguish nor feel the pain of India’s ‘Annadata’!
INC will fight the arrogance of Modi & his miniature version in Karnataka!
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) December 6, 2020
The opposition is also demanding that the farm laws be completely annulled.
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