Farmers in Punjab have launched a three-hour ‘Rail Roko’ protest to demand urgent attention from the Indian government regarding their long-standing demands. The protest, which began at noon on Wednesday, was organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
The protest saw farmers blocking rail routes in various regions of the state, including Moga, Faridkot, Kadian, Batala, Phillaur, Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur, Makhu, Talwandi Bhai, Sahnewal, Shambhu, Mohali, Sunam, and Lehra. The blockade is scheduled to last until 3 PM.
According to Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, farmers began squatting on rail tracks at several locations to press the central government into fulfilling their demands, which include a legally binding minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The protest is seen as an escalation of the farmers’ ongoing struggle for their rights and a call for concrete government action.
The farmers have been engaged in prolonged protests, including a months-long sit-in at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, since their march to Delhi was blocked by security forces. The protestors have demanded legal guarantees for MSP, debt waivers, pension schemes for farmers and farm laborers, and an end to rising electricity tariffs. The protest also seeks the withdrawal of police cases against farmers and justice for those affected by the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
One of the most notable actions during the ongoing protests is the fast-unto-death by Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border. Dallewal, who has been fasting for over three weeks, is calling for the government to accept the farmers’ demands, particularly regarding MSP guarantees.
In addition to the demands mentioned above, farmers are calling for the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the previous farmer agitations in 2020-21.
The protest comes at a time when tensions between the government and the farming community remain high. Despite efforts to resolve the issues through dialogue, many farmers continue to feel that their demands are being ignored. The ‘Rail Roko’ protest is just one in a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to take meaningful steps towards addressing their grievances.
As the protest continues, farmers are determined to make their voices heard, and the government’s response will be closely watched, as it could determine the future course of this ongoing agitation.
Sources By Agencies