Indian farmers’ “Rail Roko Movement” against the Modi government has gained significant momentum.
Farmers from Haryana and Punjab have revived their ongoing struggle for their rights, turning the “Delhi Chalo” movement into the “Rail Roko” movement after unsuccessful negotiations with the government. The farmers staged protests at 74 locations as part of the movement, which resulted in the cancellation of three trains and the disruption of 39 other train schedules across Punjab.
Protestors blocked railway tracks in the Ferozepur and Ambala divisions, causing a halt to train services. The protests at Shambhu Station led to the suspension of train services coming from Haryana.
Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price of crops. According to Indian media, over thirty farmers have lost their lives since February 1 at the Shambhu and Khanouri borders due to various causes, including two suicides during the protests.
Farmer unions have warned that if their demands are not met, they will call for a statewide shutdown of Punjab on December 30.