Bharat Bandh in Bangalore: Security tightened, farmers plan road blockades

Bengaluru: Traffic in Bangalore is likely to be affected due to the 10-hour Bharat Bandh being observed by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) from 6 am to 4 pm.

Apart from farmer unions, All India Bank Officers’ Confederation, All India Centre of Trade Unions (AICTU), auto-rickshaw drivers and the state Congress unit have extended their support to the bandh call.

A farmer leader said the agitators are going to take out a procession from the KR Puram market to the Town Hall.

The farmers have also planned to block roads at the entry and exit points to the city. The protestors have been asked to assemble on Mysuru-Bengaluru Road, Bengaluru-Hyderabad Road and Bengaluru-Chennai Road, among other roads.

Vehicular movement on KG Road via Halasur gate police station and Nrupatunga Road has been prohibited by the Bengaluru traffic police.

Security has been tightened in the State, particularly in Bengaluru city, in the wake of nationwide bandh.

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation will operate buses as per schedules. The Namma Metro services by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) will be available as usual, reports said.

The agitated farmers are demanding the repeal of the three farm laws passed by Parliament last year and have expressed apprehension that they would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate houses.

The government has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities. It has also accused the opposition parties of misleading farmers.