Farmers' 'rail roko' protest to affect train services in Punjab, Haryana

Farmer groups Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for a 'rail roko' protest on 10th March.

The protest, which is expected to be observed for four hours from 12 noon to 4 pm, is expected to affect train passengers in Punjab and Haryana.

The protest is being held to demand justice for Shubhkaran Singh, the youth farmer who died in alleged police firing recently, as well as the persisting demands like an MSP guarantee.

Section 144 of CrPC has been clamped in Ambala in view of the protest.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Saturday urged the Centre not to run away from its responsibility of giving legal guarantee for MSP on all crops.

Citing reports, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) leader Dallewal rejected the Centre's plan to undertake guaranteed procurement of pulses (tur, urad and masoor), maize and cotton at a Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Speaking to reporters, Dallewal asserted that farmers must be given MSP on all crops for their survival under the "C2 plus 50 per cent" formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission.

He also rejected claims that MSP on all crops would involve a huge outlay.

Dallewal said the government is importing palm oil worth Rs 1.38 lakh crore but it cannot spend on farmers by giving them MSP on all crops.

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