Farmers protest over various demands by blocking rail traffic in Ferozepur

Ferozepur, October 18, 2018:  Hundreds of farmers under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab today blocked railway track at village Butewala and Jhoke Tehal Singh Wala on Ferozepur-Delhi route for three hours, which will continue upto 4 pm for protesting against the government over various demands.

Talking to media persons, Satnam Singh Pannu, State President, KMSC Punjab said, the farmers have today started rail roko andolan in the state and in case their demands are not accepted, it can be extended for a long time.

Raising slogans against the Punjab government for its alleged anti-farmer policies, he said, the main demands of the farmers are – release the balance payment of sugarcane purchase by the government, to increase the production capacity of Sugar Mills, to issue clearance certificate to the farmers after payment of loan to the mills, to take legal action against the accused mill owners, to withdraw the cases against the farmers lodged by ignoring the Green Tribunal instructions, timely purchase of paddy at full rates etc. 

Pannu also demanded the formation of Basmati Trading Corporation to procure the basmati 1509 at Rs.4500 and 1121 at Rs.5000 per qtl.  He also demanded the relaxation in broken rice in the paddy due to untimely rains, arrange computerized weighing machines in the mandis and strict action for cancellation of licence of the commission agents for  over-weighing, issuing of J Form immediately, implementation of Dr.Swaminathan Report by waiving off the entire loan amount, Rs.6000 per acre, for management of stubble  or bonus of Rs.200 per qtl failing the farmers will be compelled to burn the crop residue in the fields.

Sukhdev Singh Mand, District President and Sukhwinder Singh Sabra, Secretary addressing the protesters said, under the influence of British rule, the government is tactfully, the centre and state governments are trying to push out the small farmers from the agriculture profession.  Likewise, the farmers are being harassed over the issue of stubble burning which is condemnable.

Condemning the statement of Panchayat Minister and Chief Minister, the farmer leaders demanded for increase the moisture contents from 17 per cent to 25 per cent and take back the hike of Rs.140 of DAP fertilizer, provide 50 per cent subsidy to farmers over diesel and ownership rights of land developed by  the farmers.

However, due to rail roko andolan, several commuters were left stranded on the railway station. The authorities were concerned about the inconvenience to the people and trying to convince the farmers.