The demonstration was prompted by the alleged insufficient compensation provided to farmers for the land acquired for the Bharatmala project. As a result, trains traveling between Amritsar and Delhi were diverted, affecting both incoming and outgoing services.
Gurbachan Singh Chabba, the spokesperson for KMC, highlighted that the farmers were protesting against the government's inadequate compensation for the land acquired for the Bharatmala project. He expressed the farmers' discontent with the government's failure to provide the desired compensation amount. The protest, led by KMC leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, aimed to draw attention to the issue and seek a fair resolution.
Chabba also brought attention to an incident involving a woman farmer who was allegedly slapped by a policeman in Gurdaspur district. He accused the police of using excessive force against the peaceful protesters. Chabba condemned the government's actions, referring to the forceful eviction of farmers from their agricultural land, which he deemed unacceptable.
Furthermore, Chabba mentioned another incident that occurred in Cheema Khudi village in Gurdaspur, where the police reportedly resorted to baton charging the farmers who were peacefully protesting against the acquisition of their farmlands for the expansion/construction of the Delhi-Katra national highway. These incidents further fueled the grievances of the farmers and intensified their determination to fight for their rights.
Regarding the duration of the railway blockade, Chabba stated that ongoing meetings between the farmers' organization and the administration were taking place. A final decision regarding the continuation of the protest would be made by evening, indicating that the farmers were engaged in dialogue with the authorities to seek a resolution.
The protest by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by farmers in India. Their grievances regarding inadequate compensation for land acquisition reflect a larger issue concerning the fair treatment of farmers and the preservation of their livelihoods.
The hope remains that through constructive dialogue and negotiations, a mutually beneficial solution can be reached, ensuring the welfare of both farmers and the progress of infrastructure projects.
