Amritsar, Dec 30 (NationPress) Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, on Monday appealed to the Punjab government not to abuse its power against the farming community and instead provide them with the necessary support in their fight for their demands.

Farmers across Punjab held a statewide shutdown, termed 'Punjab Bandh,' on Monday, which significantly disrupted both road and rail travel from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This bandh, organized by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is part of the ongoing protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points that have been active since February 13.

During their march to Delhi, farmers faced barriers from security forces, which intensified their push for long-standing demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.

In an interview with IANS, Sarwan Singh Pandher highlighted the overwhelming support for the bandh, stating, 'Three crore Punjabis have participated in this protest, and approximately 95-97 percent of traffic across Punjab has come to a halt. At Golden Gate, a langar was organized from 5:00 a.m. to support our cause. Reports indicate significant roadblocks throughout Amritsar.'

Pandher underscored their demands, saying, 'The guarantee of MSP is vital for the nation's economy and the well-being of its farmers. Additionally, we seek loan waivers, 200 days of work under NREGA, daily wages of Rs 700 for laborers, and the enforcement of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.'

'This struggle extends beyond just farmers; it also concerns shopkeepers suffering due to online businesses, the privatization of education and health services, and numerous other issues,' he added.

Pandher criticized the Punjab government, urging it to stand by the farmers rather than misuse police forces, referencing previous incidents such as the Behbal Kalan firing.

'The Punjab government should not misuse the police. It should align itself with the farmers,' he stated.

'If farmers and laborers across the nation do not unite, the government will ignore our demands. Today, Punjabis are united, exerting significant pressure on the Modi government,' he added.

Notably, prominent farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, aged 67, has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border since November 26, advocating for the fulfillment of these demands.

The bandh has led to considerable disruptions in transportation and public services. Bus services throughout Punjab have been suspended, with the Punjab Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) ceasing operations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and private bus operators halting services statewide from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in solidarity with the bandh.

Both governmental and private institutions across the state remained closed during the bandh hours, while emergency services continued to function. Various groups, including traders, transport workers, employee unions, toll plaza staff, ex-servicemen, village heads, teachers' organizations, and social groups, expressed their support for the farmers' cause.

Protest organizers clarified that emergency situations, such as medical emergencies, weddings, or funerals, would not face disruptions. Arrangements were also made for individuals needing to travel to airports for work or services.