10 March
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a disruptive turn of events, farmers’ organizations orchestrated a dharna across various locations in Punjab, leading to a complete halt in train services from 12 noon to 4 p.m. this Sunday. The protest, demanding attention to farmers’ grievances, prompted the railway department to cancel and stop trains immediately, causing widespread inconvenience to passengers.
Passengers at Ludhiana railway station faced the brunt of the disruption as trains bound for Amritsar and Jalandhar came to an abrupt stop. Frustrated travelers vented their anger at both the protestors and the government. Some formed groups, opting for alternative transportation like buses and taxis to reach their destinations, while others, particularly those bound for Delhi and Jammu, were left stranded on stationary trains.
The ripple effect extended to Bihar and U.P., where passengers faced lengthy delays, resulting in overcrowded railway complexes and waiting halls. The ordeal left women, elderly, and children in distress as they endured extended waits for the resumption of train services. The protest underscores the growing tension between farmers and the government, with the general public caught in the crossfire of this escalating conflict.