Protesting farmers announce 4-hour nationwide rail blockade on Feb 18

Protesting farmers Wednesday announced a four-hour blockade of trains across the country on February 18 as part of a fresh strategy to intensify their agitation against the new agricultural laws.

Unveiling its plans for the month, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the umbrella organisation of farm unions, said it will make all road plazas in Rajasthan toll-free on February 12.

“On February 14, a candlelight and torch march shall be undertaken across the country to remember the sacrifice of the martyred soldiers in the Pulwama attack,” read a statement issued by SKM’s Darshan Pal.

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— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) February 9, 2021

Two days later, the farmers will also hold events in a show of solidarity on the birth anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram—one of the most prominent pre-partition farmer leaders. “A rail roko programme will be held on February 18 from 12-4 pm across the country,” said Darshan Pal, who is also president of the Krantikari Kisan Union

In a video released on the Kisan Ekta Morcha’s Facebook page, Vikas Sisar, Haryana president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, said: “The most important decision that we took at the meeting held today was to remember the Pulwama martyrs for the sake of the departed souls. There will be candle marches at our villages and other places, wherever it is possible, from 7-8 pm on February 14 to show the country that the real malik are the jawans and kisans.”