Punjab farmers’ Rail-Roko Protest enter 2nd Day to demand flood compensation, MSP
Passenger trains affected by rail stop movement is 381 while freight trains is 17
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, September 29, 2023: The train services were disrupted in Punjab as the farmers ‘rail roko’ agitation entered 2nd day today in Ferozepur also. Farmers in large numbers squatted on tracks as part of their 'rail roko' agitation to demand a financial package for losses incurred in recent floods, a legal guarantee to MSP, withdrawal of cases regarding agitation in Delhi and compensation and jobs for families of farmers who died during the agitation.
As per the latest information, 227 trains have been cancelled, 73 short terminated, 31 short originated and 50 operated by altered routes.
The total number of passenger trains affected by the rail stop movement is 381 and the number of freight trains is 17. Helpdesks have been installed at stations so that passengers do not have to face any inconvenience. Additional ticket counters have been arranged at stations to collect refunds due to ticket cancellations. Adequate availability of food is being ensured at the stations so that the passengers can get food and drink facilities. Passengers are announced by public address system at railway stations, said railway spokesman.
DRM Sanjay Sahu said, some farmers' organizations of Punjab state announced to stop trains between 28-30 September, 2023. At present, train stop movement is going on at 13 places located in Ferozepur Division - Level Crossing Gate C-5 between Mananwala-Jandiala Stations, Jalandhar Cantt Yard, Ferozepur Cantt Yard, Golewala Yard, Fazilka Yard, Mallanwala Khas Yard, Level Crossing S-62 at Talwandi Yard, Moga Yard, Level Crossing S-42 at Ajitwal Yard, Gurdaspur Yard, Hoshiarpur Yard, Tarantaran Yard and Majitha Yard.
Keeping in mind the safety and comfort of the railway passengers, the railway administration decided that the affected passenger trains should be completely cancelled and some trains should be rerouted as possible. However, the freight trains are being operated as per the situation.
On the other hand, the farmers , the farmers leaders – under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) along with other 19 fraternal organizations, State Vice President Jasbir Singh Piddi, District President Inderjit Singh Bath and District Secretary Gurmail Singh Fatewala said, decisions are being taken daily under the policies of the Modi government of the Center to give the country in the hands of corporate houses.
Addressing this protest, state vice president Jasbir Singh Piddi, district president Inderjit Singh Bath and district secretary Gurmail Singh Fatewala said that decisions are being taken daily under the policies of the Modi government of the Center to give the country in the hands of corporate houses. Our protests will continue till such time our demands are accepted.
The protesting farmers led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee further said the agitation against the Union government will continue till 30 September. Several farmer groups, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), BKU (Ekta Azaad), Azaad Kisan Committee Doaba, BKU (Behramke), BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), and BKU (Chottu Ram), are participating in the protest.