Farmer unions BKU Ugrahan and BKU Dakaunda arranged a four-hour rail roko protest at 15 different locations in Punjab. This action was in response to the Haryana government’s treatment of farmers at Shambhu and Khanauri borders. The rail services were disrupted, resulting in 3 cancellations, 6 diversions, 5 short terminations, and 5 short originations in the Ferozepur railway division. The protest took place from 12 noon to 4 pm at various places, including Rajpura, Sunam, Jethuke, Bhucho, Moga, Mansa, Malaut, Valla railway crossing, Barnala, Sangrur, Budhlada, Jagraon, Fazilka, Gur-har-sahai, and Ghsl Kalan.
The DRM office in Ferozepur reported that numerous trains were redirected, rescheduled, or had their origin points changed, causing inconvenience to commuters. The protest, jointly led by BKU Ugrahan and BKU Dakaunda, aimed to put pressure on the government to address the demands of the farmers. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the President of BKU Ugrahan, stressed the importance of unity despite ideological differences and urged the government to promptly address the concerns of the farmers. Manjit Singh Dhaner, the President of BKU Dakaunda, expressed solidarity and condemned the treatment of farmers by the Haryana government.
In addition to the rail roko protest, the SKM organized demonstrations at 39 toll plazas in Punjab. These protests, held in solidarity with the farmers, involved dharnas from 11 am to 1 pm. Dr. Darshan Pal, a member of NCC of SKM, mentioned that the general traffic was not affected, and tolls were made free for commuters during the protest. Dr. Pal criticized the use of force against unarmed farmers and called on the government to fulfill the accepted demands. SKM members plan to discuss the next steps during a meeting on February 18 in Ludhiana, aligning with the outcome of talks between the government and farmer unions. Buta Singh Burjgill, another NCC member of SKM, emphasized the government’s responsibility to fulfill the accepted demands.
Source
हिन्दी 