Farmers' protests: Here are the latest updates on Bharat Bandh tomorrow

Farmer organisations have called for Bharat Bandh on December 8 as multiple rounds of talks to resolve issues regarding newly introduced farm laws remain deadlocked.

The next round of talks between farmers' representatives and the government are scheduled for December 9.

The strike call given by farmer organisations has received wide ranging support from political parties including Congress.

The farmers have been protesting for the last 12 days on Delhi's borders with Haryana, UP demanding a roll back of the farm laws.

Here are the latest updates:

• Trade unions lend moral support to Bharat Bandh.

• Emergency services to be allowed during 'Bharat Bandh' which will last till 3 pm Tuesday, said farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal.

• AAP to hold peaceful demonstration in support of Bharat Bandh on Dec 8: Gopal Rai

• Some of the taxi and cab unions, including those associated with app-based aggregators, have decided to join the one-day strike.

• The work at major wholesale vegetable and fruit markets is likely to be hampered with a section of traders favouring the farmers' demand. The All India Railwaymen's Federation on Monday extended its support to Bharat Bandh on December 8

• All you need to know about the Bharat bandh call by farmers' unions on December 8

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  ​What are the farmers saying?

  The farmers are protesting against the Centre's new farm laws - the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020. They claim that the new laws would pave the way for dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporations.

  ​What is the government’s stand?

  Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary on Sunday reiterated that the farm laws would not be repealed. However, he added that some amendments to the Acts can be made to acknowledge agitating farmers' demands. "These laws passed by the government will give freedom to farmers. We always said farmers should have the right to sell their crop wherever they want. Even Swaminathan Commission's report recommends that. I don't think the laws should be repealed," said Choudhary. While the government has asserted that the mechanism will stay, it has also sought more time from unions to present a concrete proposal to resolve the impasse.

  ​Opposition parties back farmers

  Leaders of several political parties, including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, DMK chief M K Stalin, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Left Front’s Sitaram Yechury and D Raja, on Sunday said they would lend their “whole-hearted” support to the Bharat bandh call by farmers’ unions. NDA constituent Rashtriya Loktantrik Party has supported the bandh call. Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), another BJP ally that earlier refrained from joining the shutdown, has joined the bandwagon.

  ​Transport services likely to be disrupted

  Services that are likely to be disrupted on Tuesday, including the supply of milk, vegetables and grocery, transport and banking. Delhiites may face problems as several auto and taxi unions in the national capital have decided to join Bharat Bandh. Delhi Taxi Tourist Transporters Association President Sanjay Samrat said in a statement that several unions, including Delhi State Taxi Cooperative Society, and Kaumi Ekta Welfare Association will join the strike on December 8. However, many other unions have decided to continue normal service despite their support to the demand raised by the farmers.

  ​Singhu border, NH-44 closed for traffic movement as stir enters Day 12

  Expecting disruption in commute in and around Delhi, the Traffic Police today suggested alternative routes to enter and exit the national capital on December 8. As part of its advisory, the National Highway (NH) 44 on both sides has been shut. Commuters have been asked to take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli borders and avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK road and NH-44. The Chilla border on Noida link road is closed for traffic from Noida to Delhi while the Gazipur border on NH-24 is shut from Ghaziabad to Delhi.