Indian farmers launch 'rail roko' protest to amplify their demands, train disruption likely

Indian farmers launched a nationwide "rail roko" protest on Sunday, March 10th, aiming to amplify their demands through disrupting train services. This four-hour agitation is expected to cause delays and cancellations across several routes, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.

The protest, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), comes amid ongoing friction between farmers and the government. Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee on a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, to ensure they receive a minimum income irrespective of market fluctuations.

Other key demands include pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, debt relief, and the implementation of recommendations by the Swaminathan Commission on farmers' welfare. The commission had proposed a slew of measures to improve farmers' incomes and address agrarian distress.

Farmers have also called for the withdrawal of legal cases filed against them during previous protests and a restoration of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. This act aims to protect the rights of those whose land is acquired for development projects.

The government has previously offered to have government agencies purchase certain crops at MSP for a limited period. However, farmer leaders have rejected this proposal, insisting on a comprehensive legal framework.

Authorities in Haryana imposed Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, in Ambala district to preempt potential unrest. Police presence has been heightened across sensitive areas, and security measures have been tightened at borders in anticipation of the protests.

The "rail roko" agitation is likely to cause inconvenience to passengers. However, farmers view this protest as a necessary step to draw attention to their grievances and urge the government to address their long-standing demands.