India
Protesting farmers, stationed at the Punjab-Haryana border, announced a “rail roko” (stop the trains) agitation on December 18, as part of their ongoing efforts to pressurize the central government. The decision comes after repeated attempts to march into Delhi were thwarted by police, citing lack of authorization from central authorities.
At a press conference held at the Shambhu border in Punjab’s Patiala district, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called on the people of Punjab to participate in the agitation, urging residents near railway tracks and stations to block them from 12 PM to 3 PM.
“Around 13,000 villages in Punjab are home to people whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture. I appeal to them to support this protest and make their voices heard,” Pandher stated, as reported by ANI.
Previous Marches Blocked Amid Clashes
Farmers have made three unsuccessful attempts to reach Delhi by foot on December 6, 8, and 14. Each march was met with significant resistance from security forces in Haryana, including the use of tear gas shells, which injured at least 17 protesters during the December 14 clash.
SKM Invited to Join the Movement
Pandher revealed that a formal invitation had been extended to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), led by Rakesh Tikait, to participate in the agitation. The SKM played a pivotal role in the 2020-21 farmers’ protests, which resulted in the repeal of three contentious farm laws.
“We want to unite all farmer unions for the greater cause of farmers and labourers,” Pandher said, noting that previous efforts to build solidarity had faltered due to internal differences.
The ongoing protests echo the 2020 demonstrations when thousands of farmers camped at Delhi’s borders for over a year. The movement gained international attention and ended with the withdrawal of the farm laws. The current agitation seeks to revive that spirit of unity and pressure the government to address their demands.
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