Farmers postpone May 7 ‘Rail Roko’ protest after assurances from authorities
Ferozepur/Devdaspura, May 7, 2025: Speaking from Devdaspura near the railway track around midnight, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that the planned 'Rail Roko' protest scheduled for May 7 has been postponed. The decision was taken after senior officials, including those from the border zone, reached the site and held discussions with the protest leaders.
According to Pandher, the authorities briefed them on the current situation concerning India-Pakistan relations and emphasized national interest. "Keeping the country's current conditions in mind, we chose not to block the railway track and instead moved to the side and returned to the ground," he said.
The protest, which was aimed at raising concerns over forced land acquisitions under the Bharatmala project, has been deferred following assurances from the police and civil administration. Bhundar stated that the authorities have committed to resolving the matter within 45 days.
Key assurances include the immediate release of all arrested farmers and a halt to work under the Bharatmala project until compensation is credited to farmers' accounts. In addition, the demand to end the "police raj" was also acknowledged, with officials promising no further repression of farmers.
Expressing gratitude to the farmers and labourers who gathered in solidarity, Pandher confirmed that the protest was being postponed, not cancelled, based on the commitments received and the current national context.