In a display of solidarity, farmers from multiple states across India have joined hands with their counterparts in Punjab to stage a three-day “rail roko” protest, demanding financial assistance for flood-affected individuals and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) among other pressing issues.
Announced by Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, this decisive move follows a pivotal gathering of representatives hailing from 19 distinct farmers’ groups.
Major Points:
- Nationwide Farmer Solidarity: The ongoing “rail roko” protest, primarily organized in Punjab, has garnered widespread support from farmers’ outfits in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, showcasing nationwide farmer solidarity.
- Pressing Demands: The protesting farmers have put forth several critical demands, including financial relief packages for those affected by recent floods in northern India, a legally binding assurance for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) across all crop categories, and comprehensive debt waivers.
- Geographic Reach: The “rail roko” protests are set to take place at 12 locations across Punjab, including Moga, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Patiala, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Amritsar.
- Unity Among Farmer Bodies: Various farmer organizations have rallied behind this movement, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Azaad), and others from states across India.
Statements:
Sarwan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated, “Farmers are facing tremendous challenges, and we are united in our demand for support, fair pricing, and relief from the burdens of debt.”
In Recent Protests:
Earlier this month, approximately 100 farmers in Maharashtra’s Sangli district staged a “rail roko” protest against land acquisition by the railways. This led to the Kolhapur-Gondia Maharashtra Express coming to a standstill for over four hours in the Bhilwadi-Nandre area in Palus tehsil. The Maharashtra farmers are calling for a joint measurement process with the district administration regarding land acquisition.
Summary:
Farmers from across India have come together in a united “rail roko” protest in Punjab, demanding financial aid for flood-affected individuals, a legal guarantee for the MSP, and comprehensive debt waivers. This show of solidarity includes support from farmer organizations in various states and emphasizes the collective voice of the farming community in India.
Summary Bullet Points:
- Farmers from multiple states join Punjab’s “rail roko” protest for financial relief and MSP assurance.
- Demands include financial aid for flood-affected individuals, legal MSP guarantee, and debt waivers.
- Protests to be held at 12 locations in Punjab with nationwide farmer support.
- Various farmer organizations unite behind the movement.
- Earlier in Maharashtra, farmers protested land acquisition by railways, causing train disruptions.
