Chandigarh: Farmers’ protests against electricity reforms and land-related policies caused major disruption across Punjab on Saturday, as demonstrators blocked railway tracks in multiple districts, resulting in confrontations with police, detentions, and widespread train cancellations.

Railway Tracks Blocked Across Key Districts

Large groups of farmers gathered on tracks in Ferozepur, Jalandhar, and Amritsar, staging sit-ins from early morning. In Ferozepur, the situation grew tense when police tried to clear the tracks, leading to a brief scuffle. In Ludhiana and Jalandhar, authorities detained several farmers attempting to move toward major railway junctions.

In Amritsar’s Devidas Puri area, hundreds of farmers occupied the tracks, forcing the cancellation of several trains. Ahead of the statewide “rail roko,” Punjab Police carried out early morning raids on Friday and placed several union leaders under house arrest. Those restricted included BKU leaders Dilbagh Singh, Makhan Singh, and Sukhdev Magli.

Farmers Denounce Electricity Bill, Land Policies

BKU chief Dilbagh Singh criticised the state government, alleging that the proposed Electricity Amendment Bill would burden poor households and pave the way for the privatisation of key public assets. Farmers are demanding the bill’s withdrawal, the removal of prepaid electricity meters, and a stop to what they describe as the sale of government-owned land.

At Jalandhar’s Dakoha crossing, protesters led by BKU (R) leader Manjeet Singh Rai attempted to march toward the railway line but were blocked by heavy barricading. DCP Naresh Dogra informed them they would not be allowed to move forward and offered to arrest them on the spot instead.

Preventive Detentions and House Arrests

In Hoshiarpur’s Tanda area, Paramjit Singh Bhulla, president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, was placed under house arrest to prevent him from joining the blockade. District officials said the measure was taken to avoid inconvenience to the public.

Kisan Mazdoor Morcha coordinator Sarwan Pandher reiterated that the agitation aims to safeguard the rights of farmers and labourers. He emphasised that their fight is focused on policy matters, urging police not to interfere with peaceful demonstrations.

Farm unions across Punjab said their protest would continue until the government addresses their main demands.