Punjab Paralyzed by Farmers' Protest: 163 Trains Cancelled

Farmers' unions called for a statewide Punjab Bandh on Monday to protest against the central government's alleged neglect of their demands. Organizations like the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha led the protest, bringing the state to a standstill.

Farmers took to the streets in large numbers, resulting in the closure of commercial, business, and educational establishments. Roads and railways were blocked at key points, including Golden Gate in Amritsar, Rampura Phul in Bathinda, IISER Chowk in Mohali, the Ambala-Delhi Highway near Lalru, and the Kharar-Morinda Highway.

Major highways and market areas across Punjab were shut down as farmers blocked over 200 roads. This caused significant disruptions to transportation services. Train services were particularly affected, with approximately 163 railway services between Delhi and Punjab canceled.

Essential services like air travel, medical emergencies, weddings, and job interviews were exempted from the bandh. In response, Punjab police deployed 600 personnel across Mohali district and senior officers closely monitored the situation. The bandh, scheduled from 7 AM to 4 PM, highlighted the farmers' discontent and their demand for immediate attention to their grievances.