Train services hit in Punjab as farmers squat on tracks

Farmers across the state today blocked train traffic from 12 noon to 3 pm to press for the acceptance of their demands, including a legal guarantee on MSP.

The “Rail Roko” protest disrupted 31 trains, with nine being short-terminated and one diverted. In Ferozepur division, 12 trains were cancelled, two short-terminated, two short-originated, besides 34 being delayed. The farmers have announced to observe “Punjab Bandh” on December 30 in support of their demands, which also include debt waiver, pension for farmers and labourers, and justice for the victims of 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence

The protest, organised by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, saw farmers squatting on tracks in various districts, including Moga, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Sangrur, Bathinda and Amritsar.

The agitation, which has been going on since February 13, intensified as farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued his indefinite fast at the Khanauri border.

The Supreme Court has expressed willingness to hear farmers’ demands, but they refused to engage with the court-appointed committee, insisting on direct dialogue with the Centre.

In Bathinda, farmers demanding MSP for all crops blocked railway tracks for three hours. In Amritsar, farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “Rail tracks were blocked at over 50 places in 23 districts of the state for three hours.” Pandher criticised the government’s alleged attempt to reintroduce the three farm laws under the guise of agricultural marketing policy.