Farmers’ Rail Roko Protest in Ferozepur
Marking the Lakhimpur Kheri Anniversary
In Ferozepur, Punjab, several trains were delayed due to a ‘Rail Roko’ protest organized by farmer groups. This protest marked the third anniversary of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident from 2021. Although 17 trains were delayed, none were canceled or rerouted. The protest took place at 33 locations, ensuring passengers had access to basic amenities like tea and water.
Help desks and public announcements kept passengers informed. After the protest, trains resumed following safety protocols. The farmers demanded a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP), loan waivers, and justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri victims. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the need for MSP laws and urged the government to resolve issues affecting paddy purchases in Punjab.
Background on Lakhimpur Kheri Incident
On October 3, 2021, eight people, including four farmers, were killed during protests against farm laws in Lakhimpur Kheri. The farmers’ demands continue to focus on justice for this incident.
Political Reactions
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar criticized the ongoing protests at the Haryana-Punjab border, claiming they are not genuine farmers and aim to destabilize the government.
Doubts Revealed
Rail Roko -: Rail Roko is a type of protest where people block railway tracks to stop trains. It is used to draw attention to their demands or issues.
Ferozepur -: Ferozepur is a city in the state of Punjab, India. It is known for its historical significance and is located near the India-Pakistan border.
Lakhimpur Kheri -: Lakhimpur Kheri is a district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It became well-known due to a tragic incident involving farmers that happened there.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) -: Minimum Support Price is a government-set price at which it buys crops from farmers. It is meant to ensure farmers get a fair price for their produce.
Loan waivers -: Loan waivers mean that the government forgives the loans taken by farmers. This helps farmers who are unable to repay their debts due to poor crop yields or other issues.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar -: Manohar Lal Khattar is a politician in India and the Chief Minister of Haryana. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).