Jammu, December 8 (KNS):
The nationwide Bharat Bandh evokes mixed response in Jammu. Although various organizations including farmers today held protest in support of nationwide farmers agitation who are demanding rollback of new Agricultural bill.
Several social and political organizations converged at Bikram Chowk and stopped traffic movement on Jammu-Pathankote highway. For about one hours traffic movement remained disrupted.
The protests remained peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in Jammu. Commuters faced problems and were seen walking a distance, but shops and business establishments remained partially open.
A rally was taken from Bikram Chowk to Digania and protesters shouted slogans against what they say are anti-people laws. Farmers are protesting against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. The three laws seek to open up farm trade.
“Central should hear the voices of farmers who are seeking scrapping the new farm law to protect the interests of cultivators. Jammu and Kashmir too has supported the call and it's our demand that the Central Government should take immediate steps to prevent extension of protest”, said Gurdeep Singh, a protester at Bikram Chowk.
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 law
Various other social, religious and political organizations including National Panthers Party (NPP), Kisan Vikas Front and United Sikh Organisation also staged peaceful protests at different places in the city in support of the bandh call.
J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP) also held a demonstration at exhibition ground under the leadership of Rajesh Pargotra, provincial president of JKNPP Jammu.
“Installment of Rs. 2000 to a farmer is only a shame affair and a mockery. Farmers are the backbone of the country but the Modi Government has broken the backbone of the Farmers and such type of cleavage has rendered the Farmers crippled”, Pargotra said.
The protesters were raising Slogans against the BJP of Union Government. Briefing the media persons Rajesh Pargotra strongly criticized Modi Govt. for not accepting the Farmers Demand which are quite genuine and for their amelioration and development.
Joint Action Committee of civil society groups and social organizations also held protests at various places in different districts including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Reasi(KNS)