Punjab Farmers' Rail Roko Protest Today: Trains to Halt for Hours—Find Out Why and For How Long!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers in Punjab are set to conduct a significant 'Rail Roko' protest today, December 18, from 12 PM to 3 PM. This action is organized by farmer unions, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), as a means to commemorate the third anniversary of the tragic Lakhimpur Kheri incident, where several farmers lost their lives during protests against former agricultural laws.

The protesting farmers are demanding justice for the victims of this incident and are also advocating for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. The protest will involve blocking railways at approximately 35 locations across 15 districts in Punjab, including key areas such as Batala, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and Moga. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the importance of public participation in this protest, which aims to draw attention to ongoing grievances regarding agricultural policies and procurement issues.

In recent weeks, farmers have been actively protesting against delays in paddy procurement, and similar actions were reported earlier this month. The farmers' movement reflects a broader struggle for rights and recognition within the agricultural sector, as they continue to face challenges related to debt relief, pensions, and better procurement processes. Today's protest is expected to garner significant attention, highlighting the ongoing frustrations of farmers in India and their determination to secure justice and fair treatment in agricultural policies.