Farmers, rallying under the unified banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), on Wednesday staged a significant demonstration, initiating a rail blockade at Shambhu railway station near the Punjab-Haryana border in Patiala district — resulting in the cancellation of at least 11 trains, with 24 others facing delays.
Their primary demand was the immediate release of three farmers who had recently been apprehended by the Haryana Police.
The protest, which commenced around 1.30 pm, saw farmers converging on the Shambhu railway station, initiating a ‘rail roko’ agitation. This move marked the 64th day of their indefinite sit-in at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana. The demonstration aimed to amplify their demands, which include securing a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), obtaining farm-loan waivers, and securing the release of farmers previously detained during protests, among others.
A prominent farmer leader among the protesting farmers Jagjit Singh Dallewal expressed their stance, emphasizing that the rail blockade was a response to the authorities’ failure to meet the stipulated deadline for releasing the three detained activists.
Despite heavy police deployment and efforts to deter the protesters, including the placement of barricades and female police presence, the farmers persisted, eventually gaining access to the railway station premises. This led to the setup of a tent on the railway track itself, symbolizing their unwavering resolve.
Another farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai highlighted the assurances provided by officials from both Punjab and Haryana regarding the release of the detained activists. However, with the deadline passing without action, the farmers felt compelled to escalate their protest.
KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher underscored the assurances received from the Haryana administration, noting the discrepancy between promises made and actions taken. The failure to honour commitments fueled the determination of the protesting farmers.
“When our farmers were not released, we decided to squat on the rail track,” said Pandher. Though the Punjab Police had erected barricades to prevent protesters from heading towards the rail track, farmers forced their way and sat on the track.
