Farmers to block trains across Punjab on December 18 over MSP demands

Chandigarh: Farmers in Punjab have announced a state-wide rail blockade on December 18, from 12 noon to 3 pm, to protest the government’s inaction on their demands for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
The protest, organized under the leadership of Sarwan Singh Pandher, aims to pressure the government into addressing farmers’ issues.
Speaking to media, Pandher criticized both the BJP and the opposition for failing to raise farmers’ concerns in Parliament.
“The BJP wants to finish off the farmers. The voice of farmers is reaching 140 crore people, but not the Prime Minister,” he said. Pandher dismissed allegations from Haryana Police, stating, “Can 100 farmers walking on foot be dangerous for the country?”
Wrestler Bajrang Punia, who joined the protest at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, accused the government of hypocrisy. “On one hand, they say they’re not stopping the farmers; on the other, they use tear gas and water cannons as if this is the border with Pakistan,” he said.
Punia questioned why farmers are being required to seek permission to protest, adding, “Farmers only want a fair MSP for their crops.”
The farmers plan to outline their next course of action following the blockade.