Bharat Bandh Today: Markets, Shops To Remain Shut; Delhi Police Say Adequate Security Arrangements In Place

The farmers' union has said that all alternative routes to Delhi's borders which were opened after other roads to the national capital were closed in the wake of the farmers' protests, will also remain shut during the Bandh.

New Delhi: Farmers, protesting against the three contentious agri laws passed by the Centre last year, have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on Friday (March 26). As per reports, the all shops, malls, markets and commercial establishments in the national capital and other regions will remain shut on Friday in view of its 'Bharat Bandh' call on completion of four months of farmers' protest at Delhi's borders. 

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) said that the 12-hour bandh will be observed between 6 am and 6 pm. However, ambulances and other essential services will be allowed to operate across the country.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have assured adequate security arrangements in the national capital in view of the 'Bharat Bandh' call given by farmer unions protesting against Centre.

While speaking to news agency PTI, Delhi Police PRO Chinmoy Biswal said there will be intense patrolling to maintain peace in the national capital. "There will be adequate security arrangements in all police districts during the 'Bharat Bandh'. The patrolling staff will roam in their area throughout the day and their focus will to maintain peace in busy marketplaces," he said.

The farmers' union has said that all alternative routes to Delhi's borders which were opened after other roads to the national capital were closed in the wake of the farmers' protests, will also remain shut during the Bandh.

"First the three contentious agricultural laws should be repealed, secondly, a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers crops must be given and finally, all the police cases against farmers should be withdrawn. Besides, electricity and pollution bills should be pulled out and the prices of diesel, petrol and gas must be reduced," SKM said reiterating its demands.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the Delhi's borders --- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur --- for more than four months, demanding the repeal of farm laws.