Farmer leaders said they will block key roads during from 11 AM to 3 PM (File)
The protesting farmers have called for a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday against the new farm laws. The shutdown or bandh is likely to have an impact in parts of north India and some non-BJP ruled states elsewhere, even as the farmer leaders said that no one should be forced to join the shutdown.
With almost all opposition parties and several trade unions backing the ''Bharat Bandh'' and many announcing parallel protests in support of the farmers, the Centre has issued an advisory directing all the states and Union Territories to tighten security and ensure COVID guidelines are followed. The railways too asked its personnel to step up vigil saying protesters may organise rail blockades in 16 states.
Appealing to everyone to join the "symbolic" bandh, farmer leaders said they will block key roads during their ''chakka jam'' protest from 11 AM to 3 PM as part of their stir, which has drawn people from northern states especially Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi since the last 12 days.
Here are the live updates on farmers' protests:
"I stand in solidarity with the Punjabi farmers in India protesting for their livelihoods and protection from misguided, manipulative government regulations," Congressman Doug LaMalfa said on Monday.
The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government has extended the support for Bharat bandh. Various farmer outfits across the state will be protesting today.
However Mumbai , the financial capital, will mostly be functioning. But the biggest APMC market- Vashi APMC market will remain shut for the day.
The Kerala government will not implement the contentious farm laws and will move the Supreme Court against them this week itself, Agriculture Minister VS Sunilkumar said in Thrissur on Monday.
"We will not implement the farm laws. The state government is ready to face any action to be taken by the central government. We will move the Supreme Court against these laws this week itself," he told reporters.
He said the Centre's move amounted to usurping the authority of state governments, which has been ensured by the Constitution.
The Delhi Police said adequate arrangements have been made to ensure normal movement of people on roads during the "Bharat Bandh" on Tuesday. "Delhi Police has also issued a traffic advisory for smooth movement of vehicles and commuters. Anybody who tries to disrupt normal movement, life or forcefully closes shops will be strongly dealt with, as per the law," Delhi Police (PRO) Eish Singhal said.
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