Breaking: Rail Traffic hit in Punjab as Qaumi Insaf Morcha Stages Rail Roko protest
Babushahi Bureau
Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), July 4, 2026: Rail services were severely disrupted in Punjab on Saturday after members of the Qaumi Insaf Morcha staged a Rail Roko protest at Sirhind Railway Station in Fatehgarh Sahib district, blocking railway tracks and halting the movement of several trains.
The protest, organised to press for the release of prisoners who have allegedly completed their sentences but continue to remain lodged in various jails, drew participation from several farmer organisations and representatives of political parties.
According to reports, protesters occupied the railway tracks, leading to major disruptions in rail traffic. Several trains were stopped at different locations as railway operations were affected by the blockade.
Addressing the gathering, Karnail Singh Panjoli, member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and Gurinder Singh Bhangoo, President of the Sher-e-Punjab Kisan Union, criticised both the Punjab and Central governments over the issue.
The leaders said that the Qaumi Insaf Morcha has been holding a continuous protest at Mohali for a long time, demanding the release of Sikh prisoners whose jail terms have reportedly been completed. They alleged that despite repeated appeals, both governments have failed to address the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
They stated that the Rail Roko protest at Sirhind was intended to draw the attention of the authorities to their demands. The leaders also warned that if no concrete action is taken, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days.
The protest caused inconvenience to rail passengers and affected train movement across the route, while railway and local authorities remained on the spot to monitor the situation. Further updates on restoration of rail services were awaited.