Punjab will observe a full shutdown on December 30, as farmer unions intensify their protests demanding legal guarantees for minimum support prices (MSP) for crops and other agricultural reforms. The strike, set to run from 7 AM to 4 PM, will disrupt transportation, markets, and essential services across the state.
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Kisan Sangathan Morcha have called for the shutdown in solidarity with Jagji Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also expressed its support, with SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami confirming the closure of all SGPC offices during the strike.
Transport services will be severely impacted, with farmer unions planning to block around 200 road points and 50 railway tracks. JP Agarwal, President of the Ludhiana Transport Dealers Association, confirmed that the strike would affect LPG cylinder deliveries and fuel station operations.
Educational institutions have adjusted their schedules, with Punjab University and Guru Nanak Dev University postponing exams. Most schools are already closed for the winter break.
The protest, which began with the “Delhi Chalo” march and evolved into the “Rail Roko” movement, has now escalated to a complete shutdown. Farmers are demanding the implementation of 13 agricultural reforms, with MSP guarantees being a key issue.
Markets in Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga, and other areas will remain closed until 4 PM, according to local reports. Essential services, including milk and vegetable markets, will also be disrupted during the strike.
The shutdown follows failed negotiations between farmer unions and government representatives regarding agricultural reforms and pricing policies.
