The Samyukt Kisan Morcha leaders on Sunday claimed that support had poured in from various political parties, transport unions, women and students organisations and industry federations for the December 8 ‘Bharat Bandh’ , which they said would be “complete” and no traffic would be allowed till 3 p.m.
Also read: Congress backs farmers’ ‘Bharat Bandh’ call, will hold demonstrations across country on December 8
The leaders, however, clarified that emergency services and wedding procession would be permitted. The supply of vegetables, fruits and milk would be hit, they said.
Making an appeal to all those who were pro-farmers to support the ‘Bharat Bandh’, Swaraj India national president Yogendra Yadav said the farmers’ movement had now become a national movement. “We have asked political parties to shun their flags and take part in the protest under the flag of the farmers,” Mr. Yadav said at a press conference at the Singhu border,.
He said all mandis in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan would remain shut on December 8 and claimed that industry groups from Uttarakhand had also pledged their support to the bandh.
He reiterated that the farmer unions were firm on their demand seeking repeal of the three farm laws. “We have neither hardened nor softened our stance. Our demand for the repeal of the three laws remain firm,” Mr. Yadav said. He made an appeal to the media for “fair” reporting of the movement and to not defame it. Mr. Yadav welcomed the statement by the Editors’ Guild of India in this regard.
Earlier, Olympic medallist boxer Vijender Singh made an appearance at the Singhu border and expressed solidarity with the farmers. He said he would return his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award if the demands of the farmers were not met.
