1. Farmers’ groups nationwide are staging a four-hour “rail roko” protest today.
2. The protest, aligned with the ‘Dilli Chalo’ march to Delhi, seeks legal assurances on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
3. Its primary objective is to draw attention to farmers’ demands and push for government action.
New Delhi, March 10: Farmers’ organizations across India have called for a nationwide four-hour “rail roko” protest today as part of their ongoing ‘Dilli Chalo’ march to Delhi. The protest aims to amplify their demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
Scheduled Protest Timings
- The protest is scheduled to take place from 12 pm to 4 pm, to pressure the government to address their grievances.
- This blockade is expected to disrupt train services during the specified hours, affecting travel plans of many commuters.
Farmer Leader’s Statement
- Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the significance of the ‘rail roko’ protest, highlighting its role in their ongoing agitation.
- He urged farmers, laborers, and the general public to support the protest in large numbers, appealing for solidarity in their cause.
- Pandher also advised individuals planning train travel between 12 pm and 4 pm to consider postponing their journeys due to anticipated disruptions.
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Nature of the Protest
- Pandher clarified that the ‘rail roko’ agitation is a partial blockade, aimed at sending a strong message to the government while minimizing inconvenience to the public.
- The farmers’ demands, including MSP guarantees, pensions for farmers and laborers, farm debt waivers, and opposition to electricity tariff hikes, remain unresolved despite several rounds of discussions with the government.
Ongoing ‘Dilli Chalo’ March
- Since commencing their ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest march on February 13, farmers have stationed themselves at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
- On March 6, farmers intensified their efforts to enter Delhi in response to calls from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
- However, Delhi Police, citing a February 26 directive, denied permission for farmers to enter the city, citing restrictions against protests at Jantar Mantar.
The ‘rail roko’ protest marks another chapter in the ongoing struggle of farmers to secure their rights and demands, underscoring the persistent challenges in resolving with the government.
