Chandigarh, Sept. 25 -- The protests against the new controversial farm bills, which have been passed by the Narendra Modi government a few days ago, have gripped the major part of the country as several farmers' organisations called for a nationwide bandh (strike) on Friday.

Meanwhile in Punjab, the neighbouring state of Haryana, farmers started their three-day "rail roko" or "stop trains" protests on Thursday.

The new farm bills will now allow farmers sell their produce to institutional buyers beyond the regulated wholesale market. However, farmers and opposition leaders criticised the Centre's move stating small peasants will have little bargaining power while selling their produce to institutional buyers, running the risk of getting...