India today is observing a nation-wide strike called by the farmers who have been protesting Centre's contentious farms laws over the past fortnight, resulting in a standoff.
Today's strike follows three rounds of inconclusive talks between the two sides over laws that farmers say are against their interests.
Next round of talks is scheduled for December 9.
The Delhi-Meerut highway has been blocked till 3pm and transport services and shops have been shut in support of the bandh.
Police in Delhi and Haryana, where large numbers of farmers have set up camp amid police barricades, have issued traffic advisories.
The farmers have insisted that this is a peaceful strike and emergency services like ambulances will not be stopped.
In Mumbai, the biggest agricultural market, Vashi is shut.
In Uttar Pradesh too, Lucknow's biggest fruit and vegetable market is shut, however the markets across the city remain open.
At least 15 opposition parties have backed the call for strike.?
Tens of thousands of farmers have laid siege to Delhi for the last 12 days almost completely shutting all the border entry points to Delhi. There is also heavy police deployment along border checkpoints.