Farmers’ Protest Halts Rail Service: 54 Trains Cancelled on Ambala-Amritsar Route

Due to ongoing farmers’ protests at Shambhu railway station in Punjab’s Patiala district, a total of 54 trains were cancelled on the Ambala-Amritsar route on Saturday. This marks the fourth consecutive day of protests. Demonstrators are demanding the release of three farmers arrested by Haryana Police. Officials report that numerous trains, including those from New Delhi to Amritsar, Rishikesh to Sri Ganganagar, and Ludhiana to Ambala Cantt, were cancelled due to the agitation.

Under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), farmers have been staging protests at Shambhu in Patiala. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the protest would persist until the release of the three farmers.

Prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait declined to openly endorse any political party, emphasizing that he wouldn’t advise anyone on whom to vote for while the model code of conduct is in effect. However, he hinted that those familiar with him would already understand which party or candidate he believes is beneficial for farmers.

Since February 13, farmers have maintained their presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, situated between Punjab and Haryana, after their march was halted by security forces.

Security forces arrested three farmers, Navdeep Jalbera, Gurkirat Shahpur, and Anish Khatkar, amidst the ongoing agitation. Navdeep and Gurkirat were apprehended on February 28 near Mohali International Airport, while Anish Khatkar was detained on March 19 by Haryana Police in connection with a murder attempt case registered on February 13 related to the farmers’ protest. According to farmer leaders, Anish Khatkar has been on a hunger strike since his arrest, and his health is deteriorating progressively.

The SKM and the KMM are leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, advocating for the government to address their demands, which include a legal assurance of Minimum Support Price for crops.