Farmers Disrupt Rail Services in Punjab, Demanding MSP Legal Guarantee

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services in Punjab, Demanding MSP Legal Guarantee

Asif Iqbal | March 10, 2024 | 05:38 PM IST | Protests, Punjab | Follow on Google News

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services in Punjab, Demanding MSP Legal Guarantee….image/agencies

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services in Punjab, Demanding MSP Legal Guarantee

Farmers in Punjab took to railway tracks in a ‘rail roko’ protest organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, urging the Centre to fulfill their demands, including a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP).

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services:Protest Echoes Across Punjab

In a widespread demonstration, farmers announced their intention to occupy railway tracks at 52 locations across 22 districts in Punjab, raising slogans against the Centre’s reluctance to meet their demands. The protest aimed to draw attention to their cause and press the government to acknowledge the significance of MSP in securing farmers’ livelihoods.

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services:Inconvenience for Passengers Amid Disrupted Train Services

The ‘rail roko’ agitation caused disruptions in train services, leading to inconveniences for passengers. The protest, scheduled from 12 noon to 4 pm, emphasized the urgency of the farmers’ demands and their determination to garner public support.

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Farmers Disrupt Rail Services:Unity Across Farmer Bodies

Prominent farmer bodies, including Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Dakaunda-Dhaner), and Krantikari Kisan Union, joined the ‘rail roko’ agitation, displaying a unified front under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha. The demonstration underscored the solidarity among farmers and their commitment to securing their rights.

Farmers Disrupt Rail Services:Diverse Demands Beyond MSP

Aside from the legal guarantee of MSP, the farmers articulated a comprehensive set of demands, including the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, resistance to electricity tariff hikes, withdrawal of police cases, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for families affected during the previous agitation in 2020-21.

As the protest unfolded, farmer leaders rejected the Centre’s proposal for the procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP for five years, asserting that it did not align with the best interests of the farming community. The ongoing agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border, supported by the SKM and Kisan Mukti Morcha, further highlighted the persistence of farmers in pushing for their demands.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.