Chandigarh/Ferozepur: A statewide rail blockade by farmers and agricultural workers disrupted train services across Punjab on Thursday, affecting around 20 trains as protesters stepped up pressure on the state government over a series of long-standing demands.
The agitation was organised under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Farmers occupied railway tracks at several locations, including Devidaspura near Amritsar, Mallanwala in Ferozepur, Moga, Gurdaspur and Sunam.
The protest followed an ultimatum issued to the Punjab government to address their demands. The blockade lasted for around six hours at several locations, from noon to about 6pm. Following an assurance from officials that representatives of the farmers would meet Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian on September 24, the blockade was called off.
Railway operations were significantly disrupted. According to officials, four trains were cancelled, seven diverted, three short-terminated, four short-originated and two rescheduled.
Among the affected services was the New Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi Express, along with several passenger and long-distance services operating through Punjab. The disruption affected commuters travelling for work, education, medical treatment and other essential purposes.
The farmers’ demands cover both agricultural and broader rural issues. They are seeking a legal guarantee for minimum support prices, loan waivers and compensation for flood-related losses. They have also raised objections to the state’s land pooling policy and demanded action on issues concerning agricultural land.
Other demands include compensation related to earlier farmers’ protests, action against drug trafficking and corruption, employment opportunities for young people and clarity on policies affecting agriculture.
Farmer organisations have also sought clarification on issues including the Electricity Amendment Bill, proposed changes concerning seeds and the possible impact of the proposed India-US trade agreement on the agricultural sector.
The protest marks another escalation in the farmers’ campaign after demonstrations were held outside the residences of several Punjab ministers.
The state government now faces the task of maintaining dialogue while dealing with demands that have significant financial and policy implications. The September 24 meeting with the Agriculture Minister is expected to provide an opportunity for detailed discussion on the issues raised by the farmers.
For ordinary passengers, however, the rail blockade once again demonstrated how agricultural protests can have an immediate impact beyond the farming community.
The next phase of the agitation will depend largely on the outcome of the proposed talks and whether the government can offer concrete measures on the farmers’ demands.
