On the completion of the four months of the farmers’ agitation, Samyukta Kisan Morcha has called for a dusk-to-dawn Bharat Bandh on March 26. The last Bharat Bandh was on December 8 last year and is known as one of the biggest efforts of strike in the world as it saw millions of people coming together in solidarity for farmers.

After the chaos ensued on January 6th, farm unions across the country were dormant and inactive. Due to the violence that shook Delhi, the citizens of the country were divided and credibility that the farm unions carried diminished.

But the farm unions have once again come together to amplify their protest efforts against the Centre’s highly debated 3 farm laws. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) proclaimed that on the completion of the 4 months of the farmers’ protest, a Bharat Bandh will be observed. Additionally, the SKM has also chalked out protest events for the coming days, most notably, “burning of farm laws during HolikaDehan”.

Also read: The why, what when of the Farmers Protest and the Farmers Bill

Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s statement

SKM, one of the biggest farmer unions that have been on the front on the three borders of the national capital issued a statement urging Indian citizens to make the bandh a success. The SKM’s statement touched on how in the last four months the farmers have been protesting on Delhi borders. The government instead of accepting their demands of a complete roll out of the laws, have discredited them. To have the voices of the farmers heard, the SKM has announced a dusk-to-dawn band that will be observed from 6 am till 6 pm tomorrow.

Farmer leader Darshan Pal was quoted saying, “We appeal to the people of the country to make this Bharat Bandh a success and honour their ‘Annadata”.

Bharat Bandh on 26th March: What’s to remain closed and what will remain open

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has claimed how several trade unions across the country from both the organized sectors and unorganized sectors will adhere to the bandh. Moreover, it has also claimed the support of several transporter associations, teachers’ associations, and youth associations across the country.

It should be noted that no trade associations would be forced by the Kisan Unions to have the shops and the businesses associated with them to observe the bandh. “No association would force anybody to close their shops or compel them to keep it open as traders are free to take decisions on their own,” Ashok Chawla, General Secretary of Mahanagar Vyapar Mandal said.

Additionally, poll bound states and union territories will be exempt from the Bandh. Emergency services like hospitals, supply of milk and essentials, and such will also not be hit. However, Indian commuters, especially those who reside in the NCR may face some problems as road and rail transport, non-essential markets, and public places are asked to adhere to the bandh. Even banking services may have some effect.

Farmers’ Protest 2020-2021: A timeline:

November 5: Over 200 farm unions across the country organize the first road blockade against the 3 farm laws introduced by the government.

November 25: After a series of successful protests locally, farmer unions from Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka decided to take their protest to the nation’s heart Delhi and made a “Dilli Chalo (Let’s go to Delhi)” call.

November 26: Police in NCR makes use of water cannons, tear gas against non-violent farmers who were marching into Delhi.

November 26: Several hundred thousands of farmers set up camps across kilometers of highway road on the Delhi’s border.

November 28: In its first, Amit Shah agrees to hold talks with farmer unions. His only condition, he would only hold the talks if they vacate the borders and move to a state-specified protest site in Burari. The farmer union’s rejected the offer and continued their protest.

December 1: The farm leaders and the Modi government has its first of many talks. The meeting ended in a stalemate.

December 3: The second round of meeting between Modi government and the 35 farm union leaders takes place for straight 8-hours. The meeting ends inconclusively.

December 8: Farmer unions call for the first nationwide bandh. The shutdown garners support from masses, trade unions and opposition parties like Congress, BSP and AAP.

December 9: Farm leaders urge Indian citizens to boycott services offered by business moguls Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.

December 16: Supreme Court asks the Centre to put farm laws on hold in an attempt to end the impasse.

December 30: First break through is achieved before the year ends. The government agrees to add certain amendments and pass ordinances regarding the three laws. The farmers remain unshaken and demand a complete rollback.

January 12: The Apex Court puts on hold the implementation of the farm laws. It also sets up a committee to evaluate the laws for an impartial judgement.

January 20: Another round of talks transpires. The government agrees to suspend the farm laws for the next 1 and a half years and form a committee which will discuss the legislation. Farm leaders reject the Government’s proposal.

January 24: The Delhi Police approves a route where the farmers can hold a tractor rally peacefully on the upcoming Republic Day.

January 26: The protests that were non-violent thus far take an ugly turn. Chaos ensues in the national capital when some farmers diverted from the pre-decided route. The police use tear gas to stop the farmers while the farmers continue with their aggression and reaches the monumental Red Fort. Vandalism, assault and horrific images emerge.