Chandigarh, Dec 18 (NationPress) A group of farmers protesting for their long-standing demands will stop train operations in Punjab on Wednesday. This action comes after their attempts to enter Haryana in support of these demands were thwarted three times. Their primary demand is for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, among other issues.

A contingent of around 100 farmer representatives, en route to New Delhi to advocate for their rights, faced obstruction from the Haryana Police, who deployed teargas and water cannons against them. The upcoming train halt in Punjab is anticipated to create significant disruption for passengers.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has announced that members of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha will block rail traffic from 12 PM to 3 PM on Wednesday.

He has advised the protesting farmers to avoid isolated railway tracks and instead gather at railway stations in their local villages, towns, and cities for the 'Rail Roko' protest.

Punjab's Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, along with Union Ministry of Home Affairs Director Mayank Mishra, met with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is currently on a hunger strike for 23 days, to discuss the farmers’ pressing demands. They showed concern for his health and requested that he terminate his fast.

This marks the first dialogue between the Union government and a farmer leader since negotiations ended without conclusion in February.

At 70 years old, and battling cancer, Dallewal has been fasting at Khanauri, the border between Punjab and Haryana, since November 26, advocating for demands including loan waivers and agricultural reforms.

After their meeting, Yadav informed the media, “We came to inquire about Dallewal's health.” He further stated, “We have acknowledged all of his demands but have no proposals to address them. I am here to listen and ensure the Supreme Court's orders are implemented.”

DGP Yadav mentioned, “We have requested Dallewal to end his fast, emphasizing that the government is aware of his condition, and the Punjab government has pledged to engage with him and offer medical assistance.”

Despite these assurances, Dallewal remains resolute in continuing his fast, according to farmer leaders.

Medical professionals have advised that Dallewal requires immediate hospitalization due to his deteriorating health from the prolonged fast.

Haryana's Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, has suggested that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should emulate his Haryana counterpart and swiftly address the farmers' concerns.

“As the Haryana Chief Minister is already providing MSP on all crops, the Punjab government should adopt similar policies for the benefit of its farmers,” the Agriculture Minister stated.

In response to calls from farmers to reinstate their march to Delhi, he remarked that Punjab and Haryana are significant contributors to the central food grain pool and that farmers in both states are benefitting from the MSP. He urged the Punjab Chief Minister to engage in discussions with the farmers to facilitate their return home.

The minister also noted that the Supreme Court has established a committee of experts to address these issues, but farmer leaders have not participated in meetings with this committee.