Farmers protesting against the government’s agricultural reforms will stage a nationwide ‘Rail Roko’ protest on March 10, from 12 pm to 4 pm, as announced by farm leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Sunday. The protesters, currently stationed at the border between Punjab and Haryana, will peacefully march towards Delhi starting on March 6.
Pandher and Dallewal, addressing the crowd in Balloh village, Punjab, where a farmer recently died during clashes, declared that the agitation will escalate at the existing protest sites until the government meets their demands.
‘Rail Roko’ Farmers’ Protest
Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, esteemed leaders within the farming community, have issued a heartfelt appeal to farmers nationwide, urging them to converge in the capital city of Delhi on March 6th to voice their grievances through a protest.
Additionally, they have called upon farmers across the country to participate in a four-hour ‘rail roko’ event on March 10th, signaling solidarity and support for the various demands put forth by the farming community.
Their impassioned plea was made during a gathering in the serene village of Balloh, nestled in the Bathinda district, where they emphasized the need for a concerted effort to amplify the ongoing agitation until the government acknowledges and addresses the pressing concerns of the farming fraternity.
At the core of these demands lies the fervent appeal for a legal assurance from the central government regarding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce, a pivotal lifeline for farmers across the nation.
Driving forward the momentum of the protest movement is the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), an organization steadfastly championing the cause of farmers. Their flagship initiative, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, seeks to draw attention to the plight of farmers and compel the authorities to initiate concrete actions in response to their demands.
While farmers hailing from Punjab and Haryana stand resolutely at the forefront of the agitation, stationed at protest sites in Shambhu and Khanauri border points, their counterparts from other states are urged to converge upon Delhi on March 6th to lend their voices to the chorus of dissent, thereby amplifying the collective call for justice and equitable treatment within the agricultural sector.
Also Read: Farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ March Paused, Protester Dies at Haryana Border
Nationwide Farmers’ Protest Intensifies
At Shambhu and Khanauri, the protest will continue as before and get stronger. We won’t stop until our demands are met,” Pandher said. He urged farmers and laborers nationwide to join a “rail roko” protest on March 10 from 12 pm to 4 pm to pressure the government.
Pandher called for Punjab’s panchayats to support the farmers’ demands and for tractors from every village to join the protest. He criticized the use of drones by Haryana Police and the border-like situation created at Shambhu and Khanauri.
He emphasized that the protest involves over 200 organizations nationwide, not just Punjab. Pandher accused the government of divisive politics and stated that the fight will continue despite election constraints.
Pandher also called for India to withdraw from the WTO agreement. Dallewal echoed the sentiment, vowing to fight until the demands are met. They emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and willingness to engage in talks with the government.
The farmers’ protest has gained support from over 400 outfits, with plans for a major gathering in Delhi on March 14. The protesters have been stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri border points since clashes with security forces halted their march to Delhi on February 13.
Farmers Protest
Over 200 farmers’ unions, such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, started the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13th. They want the government to meet their demands, including a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP), which they had asked for in 2021 when they agreed to end their protest against the now-repealed farm laws.
Additionally, they’re asking for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, and the forgiveness of farm debts.
The farmers are currently stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana after being stopped by security forces during their protest.
Also Read: Farmer Protest 2.0, Key Demands and Impact on Punjab
‘Rail Roko’ Farmers’ Protest FAQs
Q.1. What is the ‘Rail Roko’ protest?
Ans. The ‘Rail Roko’ protest is a nationwide event organized by farmers’ unions to halt train services for four hours on March 10, demanding MSP and agricultural reforms.
Q.2. When will the Farmer protest take place?
Ans. The ‘Rail Roko’ protest will occur on March 10 from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Q.3. What are the farmers’ demands?
Ans. Farmers are demanding legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP), implementation of Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions, and farm debt waiver.
Q.4. Where are the farmers currently protesting?
Ans. Farmers are stationed at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
Q.5. How can I support the farmers’ protest?
Ans. You can support by participating in the ‘Rail Roko’ protest on March 10 and joining the farmers in their peaceful demonstration for their demands.
