Shimla, Dec 8
On the national wide Bharat Bandh call given by the Farmers Unions to oppose the three
farm laws enacted by the Narendra Modi Government in the center on Tuesday evoked mixed response as number of hotels, restaurants, transport, insurance sector and construction were affected however shops, emergency and ambulance services and movement of vehicular traffic within the towns remained operational.
No intrastate vehicles were plying from 1100 hrs to 1500 hrs in wake of vehicular traffic. Movement of vehicles in cities also remain thin as due to protests by various political parties and other organisations, routes had to be diverted. Even HRTC and private bus were off the road to the long route and interstate route this afternoon. However essential services like Ambulances and medical services were kept out of the preview of Bharat Bandh. Peaceful protests were being held in the support of farmers at major district, block and Tehsil level.
Though the markets were open in the major towns however dearth of consumers was quite visible. The tourists town Shimla which is already facing major burns of COVID-19 pandemic is also affected by the call of Bharat Bandh as very thin movements of tourists and locals was witnessed in the Shimla and other major hill stations.
Reportedly supply of Milk, Dairy products, fruit and vegetable and other essential items being made from Punjab and Haryana was also affected in the state.
Barring ruling BJP and its kissan and trade unions all opposition parties include Aam Adami Party, CPI(M) and Congress has given support of call of Bandh and asked its frontal organizations and Kissan and Vapar union to support the call of Bharat Band and organized the peaceful protests. The hotels, restaurants and insurance companies employees also joined the protest of farmers.
Number of farmer unions include Himachal Pradesh Kissan Sabha, Seb Utpadak Sangh, Trade union CITU, Himachal Pradesh Dalit Mukti Morcha, Congress Kissan Unions and State and district Unit of parties.
Even as minimum supports prices are being issued on the procurement of Apple and other fruits by the state Government here yet Una and Sirmaur are the food grain surplus districts where the call of bandh evoked sharp response. Una Transport Unions are supporting the call of Bharat Bandh.
Himachal Pradesh is mostly agrarian state as 70 per cent of people earned their livelihood from the agriculture and production of fruit and off season vegetables. APMC plays a major role here and state normally remains dependent upon Punjab and Food Corporation of India for supply of the ration and food grain to the state.
Also read:
