Amritsar, December 30, 2024 : A complete shutdown was observed in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts on Monday in response to the Punjab bandh called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Police said the bandh, called to press the Centre to meet their demands, including a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, was peaceful and brought life to a standstill in Tarn Taran, Jandiala Guru, Ajnala and Majitha.
Residents opted to stay home, while shops and eateries remained closed for the day.
Commercial hubs of Hall Bazaar, Katra Jaimal Singh Bazaar, Chitta Katra Bazaar, Ranjit Avenue District Shopping complex, and IDH Market wore a deserted look.
After gathering at Hall Gate, the protesting farmers marched through markets in groups to ensure the shutdown.
Offices of government and private offices, banks and educational institutions, particularly schools, were closed from 7am to 4pm. Barring health, all kinds of services were hit.
No bus or auto-rickshaw was seen on city roads. Few private vehicles plied on the main roads.
Farmers owing allegiance to the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) held dharnas at different chowks and key points of Amritsar.
Summary: The farmers’ Punjab bandh takes place peacefully in Amritsar, with no major incidents reported during the protest.