Farmers to call for a “Bharat bandh”
Farmers from few parts of the country are not satisfied with the three agricultural bills passed by the government. They have been conducting continuous strikes in several parts of the country and asking the Government to meet their demand. They started off with the ” Delhi Chalo” March and have been blocking several roads leading to the national capital. The police also had a tough time controlling the protestors . The police had decided to block a few of the national highways in order to calm the Chaos. On December 8, they had announced a “Bharat bandh” for the matter to get more serious.
The government had called for Round discussion where the Government Officials and the Union Representatives of the Farmers groups were present. However, the discussion did not settle the issue. Farmers have now decided to do a “Bharat bandh”. Despite several rounds of discussion with the farmers regarding the center’s three agricultural sector laws it has called for the Bharat bandh.
Farmer leaders said that they have no intentions of destroying public property or causing riots as they intend to do a peaceful strike. Farmers say there would be a complete Bharat bandh till 3 p.m. on 8th December, Tuesday. They also said marriages are exceptional and other emergency services will also be allowed, said the farmer representative.
SeveralTransport Unions supported the Bharat bandh for the controversial agricultural laws but a few taxi and cab drivers were hesitant. Due to the impact of Covid-19 the income had already been affected for the transport drivers. After the lock down there was no Transportation taken place completely for several months and that they already faced a loss and their business. Now that they will have to again stop their services for the farmers protest bill was a bit tough.
It has reached the 12th day of protest. As soon as the farmers strike was announced ,the Centre immediately asked all the States and Union Territories to make sure there is peace and Tranquility maintained by tightening the security. Though the farmers said that they intend in doing a peaceful protest, the Government took precautionary measures and made sure there is no inconvenience to the normal public on it’s part. They also stressed on the covid-19 guidelines to be followed strictly.
Several political parties were supporting the strike. The farmers call for Bharat bandh gained support from some Taxi Unions, Trade Unions, worker Unions and Political parties such as the opposition party The Congress, National Congress party (NCP) ,Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, DMK and its allies, Trinamool Congress, TRS ,RJD and left parties like CPM, CPI ,RSP and AIFB.
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation also extended their support for the farmers. Farmers said they will not stop until the centre withdraws the three controversial agricultural bills. The Trade Unions like All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), The centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) also supported farmers and their protest. However, The All India Transporters Welfare Association said that they would provide Transportation Services all over India including the National Capital. Bank Unions also stated that they will not be participating in the Bharat bandh.
The Government has called for a sixth round of talks on December 9th as a previous discussion did not do any good . The discussion will be held in the centre with the Government Officials and Farmer Union Representatives.
