Intensifying its campaigning against the three agricultural laws, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha has announced a nationwide ‘rail roko’ (railway blockade) from 12 noon to 4 pm on February 18. According to the schedule announced by the Morcha, railway blockade programme will be held on February 18 from 12 to 4 pm across the country”.
The statement called for disobeying toll collection in Rajasthan saying, “all road toll plazas in Rajasthan will be made toll free”. In addition, the Morcha called for a candle march, Mashaal juloos (torch rally ) and other programmes on February 14 across the country to remember “the sacrifice of the martyred soldiers in the Pulwama attack”. Farmers will also organise a programme to show solidarity throughout the country on the birth anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram on February 16, the statement said.
Farmers have been protesting on the borders of Delhi since late November demanding repeal of three laws that they think will expose them to corporate assault. In the last couple of weeks the protesting farmers have renewed their efforts by organising massive rallies, Mahapanchayats, in parts of Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
The government has however maintained an adamant attitude so far while arguing that the laws offer farmers a wider market to sell their produce.
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