Tamil Nadu farmers stage rail roko agitation across the state in support of their northern counterparts

Rail roko across TN

“Enact a law to assure MSP”, “Modi regime bring law for MSP”, “Implement MS Swaminathan panel’s recommendations”, “Waive loans taken by farmers”, and “Do not shoot and kill farmers who seek justice” were among the slogans raised by farmers in Chennai, who waved green flags (a symbol of farmers) seeking to draw the Union government’s attention.

Speaking to reporters, farmers’ leader PR Pandian accused the DMK regime and Chief Minister MK Stalin of “scuttling” and putting up “wall posters” by “using police”. Such wall posters were against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led Union government in connection with demands of farmers and on their rail roko in Chennai, he said.

“The rail roko has been held across Tamil Nadu. Is it fair to try to prevent it in Chennai by using police?” Pandian asked. “We are not enemies of Modi, we are not talking politics here, we are only saying that we will not allow the killing of farmers and that we will not allow the non-fulfilment of assurances.”

Also Read: Farmers’ agitation: Stir will continue until demands are met

North India farmers’ demands 

The rail roko agitation in Chennai, led by Pandian, was held at Egmore Railway Station amid heavy police security. After farmers raised slogans, who squatted on railway tracks, they were taken away from the railway terminal by police personnel.

The farmers’ leaders belonging to the northern regions have rejected the Union government’s proposal for procurement of pulses, maize, and cotton at MSP by government agencies for five years, saying it was not in farmers’ favour.

Pension for farmers and farm labourers, withdrawal of police cases were among other demands that form part of the charter of demands of farmers.