The ongoing farmers’ protest in India shows no signs of abating as farm leaders have announced a nationwide ‘Rail Roko’ agitation scheduled for March 10, with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march set to resume on March 6. The decision was announced by farm leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Sunday.
The protesting farmers, encamped at the border points between Punjab and Haryana, are gearing up for renewed demonstrations, intending to intensify their agitation until their demands are met by the government. Speaking from Punjab’s Balloh village, the leaders emphasized their commitment to peaceful protest while calling for nationwide support.
According to Pandher and Dallewal, the ‘Rail Roko’ protest will take place from 12 pm to 4 pm on March 10, aiming to draw attention to the farmers’ grievances. They urged farmers from distant states to join the movement by traveling to Delhi via trains and other means of transportation, highlighting the inclusive nature of their struggle.
The leaders also called upon Punjab’s panchayats to pass resolutions in support of the farmers’ demands, condemning the government’s attempts to thwart their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. Emphasizing the widespread support for the agitation, Pandher dismissed the notion that the protest was limited to Punjab, asserting that over 200 farmer unions across the country are actively involved.
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP), the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, and the waiver of farm debts. These demands were initially set forth in 2021 when the farmers agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repealed farm laws.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, which began on February 13, has seen the participation of over 200 farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. However, the protesters have faced obstacles, with security forces preventing their movement at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
As tensions persist and the farmers’ agitation continues, the upcoming ‘Rail Roko’ protest signifies a further escalation in their efforts to secure their rights and press the government to address their grievances. The resilience and determination of the farmers underscore the significance of their cause and the urgency for meaningful dialogue and resolution.
Sources By Agencies
