Punjab: Train services disrupted by 'rail roko', Dallewal's condition worsens

Punjab's farmer protests intensified on Wednesday as thousands of farmers launched a three-hour 'rail roko' agitation, disrupting train services at key stations, including Moga, Faridkot, and Mohali.

Led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the protest aims to demand a legally guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) and justice for farmers injured or killed during previous agitations.

The agitation coincides with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike, now in its 22nd day at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana.

Dallewal’s health has deteriorated severely, with medical experts warning of a potential cardiac arrest. Despite his critical condition, he remains unwavering in his demand for government action, vowing to continue his fast until farmers' grievances are addressed.

Meanwhile, hearing a petition, the Supreme Court has warned the Punjab government that it would be held accountable if any harm befell Dallewal, and emphasised the need for the state to take "extraordinary steps" to safeguard the farmer leaders' health.

But the protesting farmers have refused to meet with the Supreme Court-appointed committee, citing dissatisfaction with its efforts and insisting on direct talks with the Central government.

In a letter to head of the committee justice Nawab Singh, Dallewal criticised the lack of meaningful action to resolve the crisis and emphasised the urgency of addressing farmers’ demands.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher urged Punjabis to stand united. “The Central government must take responsibility for this deadlock. Punjabis need to fight as one to secure the rights of our farmers,” he stated, calling for collective action to pressure the government.

Support for the protests has surged across Punjab and beyond. Punjabi artists, political leaders, and religious figures have voiced solidarity with Dallewal. The Takht Damdama Sahib jathedar has urged MPs from Punjab and Haryana to raise the issue in Parliament, while Congress MP Manickam Tagore and others have openly backed the farmers’ demands.

The ongoing protests, now in their 309th day, highlight deep-rooted issues, including demands for debt waivers, farmer pensions, withdrawal of police cases, and compensation for victims of past agitations such as the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Though the government claims to be implementing measures to increase farmers’ income through subsidies and enhanced production, the farmers remain unconvinced. They have vowed to sustain their agitation until concrete actions are taken.