The Bharat Bandh call comes even as thousands of farmers and labourers marching from Punjab have been stopped at the state’s Shambhu border with Haryana near Ambala.Concrete barricades were being erected at the borders to stop the farmers from reaching Delhi. In delhi too,  administration have taken precautionary steps to tackle such big crowd coming from Punjab and Haryana.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), along with central trade unions have called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16 to press for their various demands before the Centre. The farmers will participate in a “chakka jam” on major roads across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm. Bharat Bandh : Nationwide Protest on Feb 16

“We will ensure passage to emergency services of ambulances, death, marriage, medical shops, newspaper supply, students going for board exams and passengers to the airport,” the SKM National Coordination Committee (NCC) member Dr Darshan Pal said speaking to media persons.

What are their Demands?

Farmers along with trade unions are fighting for their legitimate demand of MSP on various crops. They want a Minimum Support Price for crops based on the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission of C2+50 (input cost of capital 50%) debt waiver, no hike in electricity tariff, and no smart metres.

What is closed ?

1.Shops and businesses in towns neighbouring the villages will also remain closed during the strike period.

2.Public transport will not ply as the roadway employees will also be taking part in the Gramin Bharat bandh.

3.Various village level shops and other day to day work (e.g MGNREGA) will remain closed.

Punjab School Education Board requested to defer the exam that was going to take place on Feb 16.