Farmers Hold 'Rail Roko' Protest In Punjab, Demand Full Farm Loan Waiver

The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) staged a 'rail roko' demonstration in  Devidaspura, Amritsar, on Monday in support of a number of demands, including agricultural debt waivers, compensation, and jobs for the relatives of farmers who perished during the protest against the now-repealed farm laws.

The demonstration is part of the KMSC's statewide Rail Roko campaign in Punjab, which aims to put pressure on the government to fulfil their demands. 

Farmers who were protesting stopped railway tracks in four locations: Jandiala-Manawala, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Tanda Udmur Ferozepur, and Amritsar-Khemkaran. 

The Indian Railways have diverted several routes in response to the farmers' rail roko agitation. 

KMSC general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher remarked that even if the Central government has repealed the farm laws, there are still numerous requests from farmers that need to be addressed. 

He said, "100% loan waiver for farmers, government jobs, and compensation for the relatives of farmers deceased in the agricultural law conflict." 

After three controversial farm laws were repealed in Parliament, agitated farmers returned to their state from the Delhi boundaries. Thousands of farmers have been protesting the three farm laws  implemented since November 26 last year in various locations around the country. 

Rakesh Tikait, the head of the BKU, claims that 750 farmers have perished so far in the campaign against farm laws. 

On November 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the farm laws will be scrapped. He had stated that the Centre has done its best to educate and enlighten farmers about the legislation and that it would continue to strive for their development. 

Punjab: Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee hold 'rail roko' agitation in Devidaspura, Amritsar over various demands, incl farm loan waiver, compensation & jobs for families of farmers who died in farmers' agitation & fulfilment of assurances given to them by Govt. Police deployed.  

— ANI Tweets (@ANI) December 20, 2021