Farmer protests disrupt 54 trains on THESE routes; Check here

New Delhi: The Ambala-Amritsar railway corridor faced significant disruption on Saturday as 54 train services were canceled due to ongoing farmer protests obstructing tracks at the Shambhu railway station in Punjab’s Patiala district for four consecutive days.

Demands of the protesters

Demonstrators, organized under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), demanded the immediate release of three farmers detained by the Haryana Police amid the ongoing agitation.

Cancellation of vital train services

The rail turmoil resulted in the cancellation of several crucial train services, including routes such as New Delhi-Amritsar, Rishikesh to Sri Ganganagar, and Ludhiana to Ambala Cantt. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher reiterated that the protest would persist until the detained farmers are released by the Haryana Police.

Agrarian reform struggle continues

The detention of farmers Navdeep Jalbera, Gurkirat Shahpur, and Anish Khatkar escalated tensions, particularly with reports emerging of Anish Khatkar’s declining health due to a hunger strike post-arrest. Amidst the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ march led by SKM and KMM, the farmers reiterated their demands, including a concrete legal framework ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce, signaling an enduring struggle for structural agrarian reforms.

Non-partisan approach of farmer leaders

Renowned farmer figure Rakesh Tikait, adopting a non-partisan stance on political affiliations, abstained from issuing directives regarding voter preferences during the electoral process. However, he subtly hinted at supporting parties or candidates advocating for farmers’ interests. The protest, entrenched at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13, intensified after police intervention halted farmers’ demands for agrarian rights and entitlements.