Farmer body plans ‘rail roko’, dharna over Power Act, FTAs

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha has announced a fresh round of protests to press its long-pending demands, including rollback of proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, opposition to free trade agreements, and compensation for losses suffered during protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Addressing the media on Friday, Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of the farmers’ organisation, said a two-day dharna will be held outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office from December 18. He added that if demands continue to be ignored, the agitation will intensify with a rail roko protest on December 20, expected to disrupt train services at key locations.

Farmer leaders alleged that the proposed Electricity Act amendments would pave the way for privatisation of the power sector, resulting in higher tariffs and the end of subsidies that small and marginal farmers depend on. They said the changes would further burden the farming community, already facing rising input costs and unstable crop prices.

The Morcha also expressed strong opposition to free trade agreements, claiming these policies expose Indian farmers to unfair competition from cheap agricultural imports. They complained that such agreements weaken domestic agriculture and threaten the livelihoods of millions of farmers and farm labourers across the country.

Another major demand is compensation for losses suffered by farmers during prolonged protests at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

Leaders said many incurred heavy financial losses due to damage and theft of belongings, including tractor-trolleys.

The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha warned that protests would remain peaceful but firm. They appealed to the state government and the Centre to engage in meaningful dialogue and resolve issues without forcing farmers to escalate their agitation.