Farmers begin protest in Punjab, Haryana over farm bills

Farmers on Friday began ir protest as part of 'Punjab Bandh' call against contentious farm bills that were recently passed in Parliament.

As many as 31 farmer organisations, under is of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) have joined hands for complete shutdown of Punjab.

Among farmers' unions which are supporting bandh call included Bharti Kisan Union Krantikari, Kirti Kisan Union, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and BKU (Lakhowal).

Several organisations in Haryana, including BKU, have also extended support to nationwide strike called by some farmers' bodies against bills.

Police personnel in equate strength were deployed across state to maintain law and order, officials said.

While ruling Congress and AAP have extended support to farmers' protest, Shiromani Akali Dal has anunced to hold ro blockes.

Farmers at several places in state started garing at ros for stopping movement of traffic.

Women protesters under banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee in Amritsar took out a protest march.

Shops and commercial establishments at many places in Punjab remained shut on Thursday morning in wake of farmers' stir.

Shopkeepers h been appealed to keep ir shops shut in support of farmers.

Krantikari Kisan Union president Darshan Pal said farmers would hold protests at over 150 places across state ding that y were getting support from trers, transporters and taxi operators among ors.

Punjab Bandh call is getting support from government employees' unions, singers, commission nts, labourers and social activists.

Farmers on Thursday h started a three-day rail blocke against bills and squatted on tracks at many places in state.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh h said on Thursday state government was fully with farmers in ir fight against bills and FIRs would be registered for violation of Section 144, which bars assembly of more than four people.

protesters have expressed apprehension that Centre's farm reforms would pave way for dismantling of minimum support price system and y would be at "mercy" of big corporates. farmers said y would continue ir fight till three farm bills were revoked.

Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, Farmers' Produce Tre and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill were passed by Parliament earlier this week.

Im: ANI