Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 21: Farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli staged a ‘rail roko’ protest on the Cauvery Railway Bridge, led by renowned farmer leader and lawyer P Ayyakannu. The protest was in response to the action taken against farm leaders in Punjab, who had been protesting against the government, demanding a legal guarantee for a Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police intervened to control the situation and clear the tracks. The protest highlighted growing unrest over the treatment of farmers in Punjab, where authorities had taken action against those involved in the protests.
Meanwhile, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian announced a meeting of leaders from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) to be held in Chandigarh on Friday, March 22. The meeting will take place at 4 PM in Punjab Bhawan, as per the notice released by the agriculture department on March 20.
Earlier, Punjab police DIG Mandeep Singh mentioned the ongoing efforts to clear movable items like tractors and trolleys from the Khanauri border, emphasizing the cooperation of farmers. He added that authorities were taking care of the detained farmers, ensuring their well-being during the operation.
Farmers across the country, united under the banners of the All India Kisan Sabha and Bharatiya Kisan Union, also staged a protest march to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s residence in Karnal. Several farmer leaders were detained during the protest, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who remains on an indefinite fast, and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarvan Singh Pandher.
Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema defended the actions of the Aam Aadmi Party-led government, saying the action was necessary to open the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. However, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema criticized the central government for failing to implement the promises made to farmers, accusing them of injustice. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also lashed out at the AAP government in Punjab, stating that both AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have “no faith” in democracy due to their treatment of protesting farmers.