Day 3 of Protests: Rail Blockade Across Punjab

Major Centre-Farmer Leaders Meeting Held…

Amid the ongoing standoff at the Punjab-Haryana border, a trio of Union ministers comprising Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai are scheduled to hold further discussions with farmer leaders in Chandigarh today.

The talks, set for 5 pm, will primarily focus on addressing the farmers' demands, notably regarding the implementation of a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

This marks the third round of dialogue between the two parties, following inconclusive talks on February 8 and 12. Farmers from Punjab, stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders of Punjab and Haryana, are adamant about marching towards Delhi to persuade the Centre to address their demands. 

The farmer leaders have emphasized their decision to hold off on any new attempts to advance toward the national capital until the scheduled meeting occurs.

They have stated that their future actions will depend on the proposals laid out by the Centre during the forthcoming dialogue.

Nevertheless, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU Dakaunda (Dhaner) have announced a 'rail roko' (rail blockade) in Punjab today.

Farmers intend to occupy rail tracks at seven different locations from 12 noon to 4 pm to protest against the deployment of tear gas shells and water cannons by Haryana security forces at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders.

In response to the police's use of tear gas shells in the last two days, the farmers have taken precautions. They have armed themselves with water bottles, wet clothes, and even protective gear to mitigate the effects of tear gas.

At the same time, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has opted to stage protests at toll plazas from 11 am to 2 pm.

The police have sealed the border with barricades, hindering farmers from traveling to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys.

Due to the protests impacting traffic in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued an advisory last night, urging students to plan their commute in advance.

The board recommended utilizing the metro for transportation.