Punjab (SunstarTV Bureau): Punjab farmers allow trains to resume service from today, announcement came after a meeting between farmers’ unions and Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
Farmers had set up rail blockades across the state to protest the centre’s controversial farm laws, have agreed to lift the blockade for a 15-day period, but warned to reinforce if their issues failed to be addressed.
Amarinder Singh took to tweeter to inform that he welcomed the farmers’ decision and called on the centre to resume rail services to the state, after the meeting.
Had a fruitful meeting with Kisan Unions. Happy to share that starting 23rd Nov night, Kisan Unions have decided to end rail blockades for 15 days. I welcome this step since it will restore normalcy to our economy. I urge Central Govt to resume rail services to Punjab forthwith. pic.twitter.com/shmIZPHFR0
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 21, 2020
“Had a fruitful meeting with kisan (farmers’) unions. Happy to share that starting November 23 night, kisan unions have decided to end rail blockade for 15 days. I welcome this step since it will restore normalcy to our economy,” Mr Singh said.
“I urge the central government to resume rail services to Punjab forthwith,” he added.
According to PTI, the blockade has led to a loss of state economy worth ₹ 22,000 crore. The Railways, meanwhile, has suffered an estimated ₹ 1,200 crore loss.
The laws are entitled to remove MSP (minimum support price), a source of credit in hard times like droughts and crop failure, critics say small and marginal farmers will be left at the mercy of corporate.
The government says by removing barriers to inter- and intra-state trade of farm and agricultural produce, it is empowering farmers to sell their goods at markets and prices of their choice.
Railways has received communication from Government of Punjab for the resumption of both goods and passenger train services. It has been informed that tracks are now clear for train operations.
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 21, 2020
