Chandigarh: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) convened an emergency meeting in Chandigarh on Wednesday. During this meeting, SKM announced that it will not participate in the ongoing farmers’ movement at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. SKM leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan expressed concern for the health of farmer leader Jagmeet Singh Dallewal, who is on a hunger strike. Ugrahan stated that on December 23, SKM will organize a major protest across Punjab. Protests will take place in every district against the central and state governments. A follow-up meeting will be held in Chandigarh on December 24 to determine the next strategy.
It is noteworthy that farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has called for a state-wide “Punjab Bandh” on December 30. He mentioned that essential services will be maintained and that they will meet with shopkeepers, religious institutions, trade associations, and labor unions, urging them to support the Punjab Bandh. Meanwhile, the Congress party has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommending discussions regarding the hunger strike of farmer leader Jagmeet Singh Dallewal and the farmers’ demand for MSP.
Train services affected by the rail blockade:
In Ferozepur, farmers’ protests have led to the cancellation of twelve trains and affected 38 others, with farmers staging sit-ins at 52 locations along the railway lines. Four passenger trains were halted at Ludhiana station, resulting in refunds of ₹56,000 in ticket costs. In Abohar, farmers protested on the railway tracks, alleging that the Modi government is trying to derail farmers’ issues. Also, Gursevak Singh, a leader from Nayagaon, announced that they will join the hunger strike of farmer leader Jagmeet Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border and begin a five-day hunger strike starting December 19.