Farmers issue nationwide 'Rail Roko' call, say 'had given Centre ultimatum till Dec 10'

Even as Centre continues to keep door of discussions open for contentious agrarian laws, farmers' representatives on Thursday have anunced railway blockades across country in protest. call to block railway tracks comes just a day after farmers' unions rejected proposal by Centre which involved a written assurance on stay of MSP. Farmer leader Boota Singh has stated that Union Government was given an ultimatum till December 10 to repeal laws and added that Sanyukt Kisan Manch will fix a date for 'Rail Roko' protest and anunce it. farmers' representatives have also stated that all toll plazas across Punjab will be blocked on December 12. 

Addressing media right after Centre's briefing on Thursday evening, farmer leader Boota Singh said, "PM Modi is saying that discussions should continue, we are also saying same thing.  re have been six meetings with Agriculture Minister, and he is saying that discussions will continue if farmers accept amendments. We condemn this. Prime Minister is saying something else, Home Minister is saying something else whereas BJP leaders are saying or things."

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Previously, farmers in Punjab had called off Rail Roko Andolan on vember 23 for 15 days on Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh's request. protest which had been observed since September witnessed several unions squatting on railway tracks restricting trains from plying as usual. Consequently, Railway Ministry had suspended goods railway services, which impacted transport of coal and or essentials in state. Railways had asked Punjab state government for assurance of farmers' safety, without which trains would t be allowed to operate.  

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Moreover, Krantikari Kisan Union President Darshan Pal has alleged that or farmers coming from Punjab and Uttarakhand to Delhi are being detained on way. In same briefing on Thursday, Bhartiya Kisan Union (R) leader Balbir Rajewal said, " Central government has admitted that laws have been made for traders. If agriculture is a State subject, y do t have right to make laws regarding it." 

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Centre keeps door open for talks 

Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar extended an open invitation to farmers' unions for talks on agrarian laws. A day earlier, farmer leaders had unanimously rejected Centre's proposal and called for an escalation in protests until farm laws are repealed. Observing that bills were passed after a 4-hour long discussion in both Houses of Parliament, Tomar explained that Centre's aim was to liberate farmers from constraints of APMCs.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar remarked, " farmers in huge numbers are sitting in cold. All of us are worried because COVID-19 crisis is also re. That's why I want to urge farmer brors and sisters that Centre has sent a written proposal to address your concerns. Deliberate over proposal. When you are ready for a discussion, Indian government will be willing to hold talks."