In a protest against the allegedly delayed purchase of paddy during the ongoing Kharif marketing season, Punjabi farmers squatted on rail tracks and blocked roadways in numerous locations throughout the state on Sunday.
Photo credit: PTI
The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) had called for “rail roko” for three hours, in addition to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha’s request for a statewide road blockade from 12 to 3 pm.
Inconvenience was caused to commuters as farmers blocked roads in multiple locations, including national highways. On the other hand, police had redirected traffic on other roads.
Farmers are having difficulties in the grain markets, according to farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, despite the state government’s assurances that purchasing of paddy will proceed smoothly.
Farmers in Amritsar staged a strike at the Wallha railway crossing to voice their disapproval at the delayed procurement of the paddy crop.
Parminder Singh Ugrah, the leader of the Bhartiya Kisan Union, said that farmers blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail line.
Farmers have also held road blockades at places, including Attari, Kukrawal village near Ajnala town.
In Sangrur, farmers squatted on the rail track at the Sunam railway station. In Moga, farmers blocked Ferozepur-Ludhiana national highway near Duneke.
In Sunam, a protesting farmer leader accused the state government of running away from the purchase of the paddy crop.
Farmers’ produce was not being taken at grain markets, according to protesters.
The farmers’ protest is also being backed by the commission agents and the state’s rice millers.
and want the Center to clear out the current wheat and paddy stock to provide enough space, while the “arthiyas,” or commission agents, are pushing for an increase in their commission.
In a statement on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he would meet with the Union Consumer Affairs Minister on October 14 to discuss the demands of the “arthiyas” and rice millers who are protesting.
Mann had stated that the union administration ought to show sympathy for the legitimate requests made by the commission agents and rice millers.