Woman Questions Protestors’ Demands
In the video, the woman is seen challenging the protestors: “Where will we go after closing our shops? How will we earn? You have SUVs, Fortuners. Are you farmers?” She further questioned, “You get loan waivers, free electricity, and manure, but we get nothing. Why should we suffer for your protests?”
The viral clip has amplified concerns among middle-class citizens and small business owners, whose livelihoods were disrupted by the bandh. Many shopkeepers clashed with protestors, refusing to close their businesses. Protestors warned of boycotting shops that stayed open, intensifying the standoff.
Widespread Disruptions Across Punjab
The bandh, led by Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, brought life in Punjab to a halt. Roads and railway tracks were blocked, suspending goods transport and public services. Major cities like Patiala, Amritsar, and Bathinda faced severe disruptions.In Amritsar, pilgrims traveling to the Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple were stranded due to roadblocks. In Bathinda, the suspension of railway services led to refunds of over ₹6.5 lakh for passengers unable to board their trains.
Despite allowing emergency vehicles and wedding processions to pass, protestors maintained strict blockades, affecting thousands of commuters and halting essential supplies.
Farmers’ Long-Standing Demands
The bandh was called to press for a legal guarantee for MSP, debt waivers, pensions for farmers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, aged 70, has been on a hunger strike to emphasize the urgency of these demands.
Social Media Reactions
The viral video has fueled discussions on social media about the economic impact of protests on the middle class. One user commented, “The middle class pays taxes but gets no benefits. Farmers protest, unions strike, and governments dole out subsidies, but what about us?”
