Chandigarh: Punjab's resolute farming community, engaged in a 'rail roko' agitation, has entered its third consecutive day, asserting their demands for compensation in the aftermath of recent floods, a statutory guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), and a comprehensive debt relief scheme. This relentless protest has severely hampered the regular movement of trains, leading to numerous cancellations, partial terminations, and route diversions, as confirmed by railway authorities.

Since Thursday, farmers have firmly positioned themselves on railway tracks at various locations, including Faridkot, Samrala, Moga, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Patiala, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Amritsar, as an integral part of their three-day demonstration. This unyielding protest has left hundreds of rail commuters stranded within the regions of Punjab and Haryana.

A distressed railway passenger at Ludhiana station recounted his journey from Jalandhar City, stating that he had resorted to traveling by road due to the ongoing agitation. He further lamented the lack of information regarding the expected arrival of his train bound for Gorakhpur.

Another passenger at the station expressed frustration over the abrupt cancellation of a train originating from Amritsar, a journey that was intended for 12 members of his family heading to Bihar. In an unexpected twist, they later received word that the train would now commence its journey from Ludhiana. Consequently, the family members embarked on a road trip from Amritsar to Ludhiana, yet there remains no definitive update about the train's status.

This farmers' agitation has cast a direct shadow over the operational efficiency of the Ambala and Ferozepur railway divisions, according to official sources.

Participating in the three-day protest are multiple farmer groups, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Azaad), Azaad Kisan Committee (Doaba), Bharti Kisan Union (Behramke), Bharti Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), and the Bharti Kisan Union (Chottu Ram). The scheduled conclusion of this spirited three-day demonstration is set for Saturday, as asserted by the persevering farmers.

Their comprehensive set of demands encompasses a financial aid package for the flood-affected populace in northern India, a legally binding commitment to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all agricultural produce, and an inclusive debt amnesty for farmers. Among their specific requests are a Rs. 50,000-crore flood relief package to support northern Indian states and MSP rates in line with the recommendations put forth by the Swaminathan Commission report.

Additionally, the farmers are demanding the complete waiver of outstanding debts incurred by farmers and laborers. They are also insisting on a compensation package of Rs. 10 lakh and government employment opportunities for the family members of farmers who tragically lost their lives during the protests against the now-repealed three farm laws.

Punjab Train Services Disrupted as Farmers' 'Rail Roko' Protest Enters Day Two