Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: Emergency services won't be affected by the shutdown on December 8. (File)
Amid growing support from unions and Opposition parties for tomorrow's "Bharat Bandh" call, some services could get affected in Delhi - now the epicentre of farmers' protests - and the rest of the country. The farmers have called for a "peaceful" nationwide shutdown on December 8, a day ahead of the sixth round of talks with the government for repeal of contentious farm laws. "The protest is to show that we don't support some government policies," Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said. Farmers reiterated they won't give space to any political party and said their protest is "peaceful and will continue that way". However, the centre has issued a nationwide advisory suggesting "tight security" for "peace" and ensuring Covid-19 guidelines are followed.
Here's a list of all the things you need to know about Bharat Bandh:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has rescheduled to December 13 the Chartered Accountants Foundation Examination paper-1 that was to be held tomorrow. Admit cards issued will remain valid; candidates are advised to keep checking the website.
In Delhi, fruits and vegetables could be in short supply. "Most of our traders are supporting the Bharat Bandh call. Hence, mandis at Ghazipur, Okhla and Narela will be heavily impacted," said Adil Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Azadpur Mandi - Asia's largest wholesale market.
In Maharashtra, the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee would be shut tomorrow. It is likely to affect supply of fruits and vegetables in Mumbai, where cabs, taxis and buses will ply normally. Patrolling will be done in Mumbai "so that no untoward incident takes place".
Commuters in Delhi and Tamil Nadu may face problems as some cab and taxi unions, including those associated with app-based aggregators, have decided to back the shutdown. But autos and those offering last-mile connectivity would continue to ply, unions said. Government said arrangements have been to ensure people can commute easily during the bandh.
A number of bank unions have called for a black-band protest to show support to farmers, but this is not likely to affect banking services.
Supply truck movement could be hit in many states as all motor transport unions of India have come out in farmers' support. They will organise peaceful demonstrations and try to submit memorandum to District Collectors and Commissioners to resolve the issues "amicably and to farmers' satisfaction at the earliest".
Members of farmers' unions will block national highways and occupy toll plazas, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, general secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Union had said earlier.
Farmers urged people to extend their support non-violently and said their protest was not meant to "cause problems for the common man". "Tomorrow's Bharat Bandh is from 11 am to 3 pm. It is a symbolic protest. We will begin at 11 am so everyone can reach office on time... Services such as ambulance, even weddings, can go on. People can show their card and leave," Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said.
The Bandh is likely to be most well-observed in Punjab, which has extended its full support. Sit-in protests, some by opposition parties supporting farmers, are likely in Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telanaga and northeastern states of Tripura and Assam, besides others. This is likely to create traffic congestions, and states are set to issue travel advisories. Gujarat has said it would act against those who try "to close shops and other establishments forcefully".
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, borders along Singhu, Auchandi, Piao Maniyari, Mangesh borders are closed. NH-44 is closed on both sides. The Chilla border on Noida link road is closed from Noida to Delhi. The Gazipur border on NH-24 is closed for traffic from Gaziabad to Delhi. "Avoid Outer Ring Rd, GT Karnal road," the Delhi Traffic police tweeted suggesting alternative routes.
(With input from Agencies)
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