Agitating farmers call Bharat bandh today, from 11am to 3pm

Hardening their position, agitating farmers are holding a 'Bharat Bandh' today, occupying toll plazas and shutting down road in and around the National Capital.

The strike will run from 11am to 3pm. Speaking at a press conference last week, Rakesh Tikait, Spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union, said that the timings for the road blockade or chakka jam has been set as they don’t want to cause any trouble to the common public.

The protests against the new farm laws intensified after the fifth round of talks between the farmers and the Modi government remained inconclusive.


“We don’t want to cause problems for the common public. Therefore, we will begin at 11 am, so that they could leave for the office on time. Work hours in offices will end by 3 pm,” Tikait said. “Services such as ambulances, even weddings, can go on as usual. People can show their card and leave,” he added.

“Our protest is peaceful and we’ll continue that way. It is a symbolic protest to register our opposition,” Tikait also said.

Delhi's border points remained choked as thousands of farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and other states held demonstrations.

The farmer community has expressed apprehension that the new laws are "anti-farmer", and would pave the way for dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.

The farmers are protesting against the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.