On the first anniversary of the enactment of the three farm laws by Central government, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmers' unions, is observing a Bharat Bandh today till 4PM demanding repeal of farm laws. Several farmer organizations, trade unions, Congress and left parties have extended support to the bandh. Some states witnessed a complete bandh as massive rallies were taken out by farmer organisations.
The effect of the bandh could be seen in several places of Odisha including Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Rourkela, Rayagada and some other districts. Congress along with the Left parties is picketing at NH and some arterial roads in the cities by holding banners and burning tyres on the road.
However, there was very little or no impact of the bandh on movement of vehicles across the state. All emergency services have been exempted from the bandh. As per reports, there was also a rail roko agitation for sometime at the Bhubaneswar railway station.
OSRTC bus services have also been suspended till 3 PM today in view of the Bharat bandh.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha has assured that the bandh will be enforced in a voluntary and peaceful manner. The farmers’ forum put out a detailed guideline for observing bandh in a peaceful manner and also appealed all citizens to join the nationwide shutdown. Many organisations have only extended moral support to the Bharat Bandh.