Farmers protesting against the central government’s policies have announced a “rail roko” agitation on December 18, escalating their efforts after being repeatedly stopped from marching into Delhi. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher urged the people of Punjab to join the protest and block railway crossings and stations from 12 to 3 pm.
Call for Solidarity
Addressing the media, Pandher appealed to residents of Punjab’s 13,000 villages near railway tracks to participate in the agitation. “We request all villagers to join this movement and block their nearest railway crossings or stations,” he said, as reported by ANI.
Failed Attempts to Enter Delhi
The announcement follows three failed attempts by a group of 101 farmers to march into Delhi on December 6, 8, and 14. Security personnel at the Punjab-Haryana border stopped the farmers, citing the lack of official permission to enter the national capital.
Tensions escalated during the attempts, with police resorting to tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, leaving at least 17 people injured. The farmers have been camping at the Punjab-Haryana border points, demanding access to Delhi to voice their grievances.
Invitation to Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM)
Pandher also extended an invitation to the Rakesh Tikait-led Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) to join the ongoing protests. The SKM, which had led the historic year-long protest against the now-repealed farm laws, has so far not been part of the current “Delhi Chalo” movement.
In a letter addressed to the SKM, Pandher emphasized the need for unity among farmer unions. “We have extended our hands to those brothers who could not participate in Delhi Andolan-2. In the interest of farmers and laborers, we must set aside our differences,” he stated. Pandher expressed hope for a positive response from the SKM, which had led major protests at Delhi’s borders, including Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur, until the three controversial farm laws were repealed in 2021.
Background
The ongoing protests come two years after farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh staged a year-long demonstration on Delhi’s borders, forcing the government to roll back the contentious farm laws. With fresh grievances and calls for solidarity, the farmers aim to reignite the movement to highlight their demands.
The December 18 “rail roko” agitation is expected to draw significant participation as farmers seek to ramp up pressure on the government.
Sources By Agencies
