Passengers likely to face inconvenience with ‘Rail Roko’ protest in Punjab today

Chandigarh – Farmers in Punjab will halt rail traffic on Wednesday, December 18 from 12 noon to 3 P.M. in protest against the government's inaction on their demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The protest, announced by farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, is expected to cause significant inconvenience for passengers. The protest will be carried out by activists of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, and farmers are urged to assemble at railway stations in their respective villages, towns, and cities.

This action follows the Haryana Police's recent use of teargas shells and water cannons to prevent a group of 100 farmer representatives from traveling to New Delhi to press their demands. The farmers are demanding a meeting with the central government to discuss their concerns, including loan waivers and agricultural reforms.

Adding to the pressure is the ongoing fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been protesting at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana since November 26. Dallewal, a 70-year-old cancer patient, is demanding the government address the plight of farmers facing financial hardship. Dallewal's health has deteriorated due to the prolonged fast, and doctors have advised immediate hospitalization.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, along with Union Ministry of Home Affairs Director, Mayank Mishra, met with Dallewal on Sunday to discuss his health and urge him to end his fast, which has now entered its 23rd day. This was the first meeting between the Union government and a farmer leader since February's inconclusive talks. Despite assurances from the government that they would address Dallewal's concerns and provide medical assistance, he remains determined to continue his protest.