Punjab Desk
Farmer News
Tv10 Punjab
17 April
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Journalist And Research Analysist
Punjab residents received a sense of relief today as farmers announced the postponement of their planned ‘Rail Roko’ protest. The protest, which was scheduled to take place today, has now been delayed for the next three days. Farmer unions made this decision after considering the ongoing wheat procurement process in the state.
Earlier, farmers had called for a three-hour protest by sitting on railway tracks from 12 PM to 3 PM. This demonstration was expected to disrupt train services across Punjab. However, the situation has now eased as the protest has been temporarily called off.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher shared that the decision was taken after a joint meeting of various farmer organizations. He stated that the government has been given a three-day window to address farmers’ concerns. The main demand of the farmers is that the central government should relax certain rules related to wheat procurement, making the process smoother and more beneficial for them.
Farmers also highlighted that a large number of them are currently busy in grain markets (mandis) due to the ongoing wheat procurement season. This made it difficult for many to participate in the protest at this time. Keeping this in mind, unions decided it would be more practical to delay the agitation.
Pandher further added that if any issues arise in procurement at local levels, farmer groups in those areas can take independent decisions and act accordingly. He also urged farmers to stay prepared for the protest after three days if their demands are not met.
It is important to note that the ‘Rail Roko’ protest was originally announced for April 17 under the leadership of major farmer groups. For now, the situation remains calm, offering temporary relief to commuters and the general public.
