Normal life was hit in the southwest Punjab districts as all private and the government-run buses remained off the roads since early Friday morning in response to the call of bharat bandh given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Passengers were seen stranded at various places in the region as the public transport system was paralysed. Trains services remained unaffected.
In view of the nationwide call of strike given by the Left-affiliated trade and various farmer unions, the state authorities enhanced police deployment around the proposed spots of road blockade.
Movement of private vehicles on the national and the state highways in the south Malwa region was normal as the protesters are expected to block roads at around noon.
Convener of the state Malwa zone private bus operators union Baltej Wander said the association has extended a full support and work will remain suspended throughout the day today.
Work in the mandis also remains suspended as the arthiya associations have also extended support to the call of bharat bandh.
Private and government schools remained opened due to ongoing final examinations of the class 10 and 12 of the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) and Punjab School Education Board.
Information gathered from the region says movement of the students had hardly impact as no road blockade by the farmer and worker unions was reported in the region.
Union of government employees has also extended support to the bandh but the leaders said that official work will continue smoothly.
Kuldeep Sharma, president Bathinda DC office employees union said that senior leaders will attend dharna in the afternoon and all others will remain on duty as no strike will be observed today.
