Farmers to hold 2-hour rail roko on October 3

Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu’s comments blaming farmer unions for causing disruption by blocking rail tracks thus impeding the process of foodgrain loading, have irked the farmer union leaders sitting at Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

The two forums, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM- Non- Political), have announced countrywide two-hour rail roko agitation to protest on the third anniversary of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, where eight people, including four farmers and a journalist, were killed in 2021 during a protest against the now-repealed three farm laws.

In an appeal, Sarwan Singh Pandher asked farmers to join in large numbers to register a symbolic response to the Union minister’s comments. Pandher said the rail blockade would be organised at about 35 places in 15 districts of Punjab.

These are Batala, Gurdaspur, Patti, Tarn Taran, Tanda, Kila Raipur, Sahnewal, Phillaur, Lohia, Talwandi Bhai, Mallawala, Makhu, Guru Har Sahai, Moga, Patiala, Malout, Sultanpur, Sunam, Ahmedgarh Mandi, Faridkot, Rampura Phul and Pathankot.

These will also be held at three places in Haryana, two places in Rajasthan, two places in Tamil Nadu and two places in Madhya Pradesh, besides at three places in UP.

Bittu on Tuesday claimed that the transportation of foodgrain has been impeded due to farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border.

“Punjab is not connected to any port. Major goods transportation takes place by train. Shambhu is a key rail link leading into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir,” said Bittu.