Farmers' Protest: Nationwide 'Rail Roko' Agitation On Thursday; Several Trains Being Cancelled, Diverted | Key Points

The railways has deployed 20 additional companies of the RPSF across the country, with focus on Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, in the wake of the "rail roko" called by farmers.

New Delhi: The farmers protesting against the three contentious agri laws passed by the Centre last year will hold a four-hour long nationwide 'rail roko' agitation (railway blockade) on Thursday to build up the pressure on government to take back the legislation. So far the government and farmer leaders have held twelve round of talks to bring and end to the months-long deadlock, but unfortunately the impasse between the two sides continue with protesters camping at various Delhi borders since over 84 days.

No further round of talks between farmers and Centre have taken place ever since violence broke out in the national capital on Republic Day during farmers' tractor parade. Earlier this month, the protesting farmers had observed a three-hour chakka jam agitation (road blockade) to press their demand of repealing the three laws.

Here is all you need to know about farmers' 'rail roko' agitation on February 17:

1. The 'rail roko' agitation will take place on Feb 17 (Thursday) from 12 pm till 4 pm, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), organisation which is spearheading farmers' protest, had announced last week. 

2. This is going to be the third major demonstration by the agitating farmers followed by January 26 "tractor parade" and Feb 6 "chakka jam". The farmer leaders have claimed that several people will come from their villages to take part in the protest. However, they assured that no one will disturbed or harmed during the agitation.

3. Indian Railways has deployed 20 additional companies of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) across the country, with focus on Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, in the wake of the "rail roko" called on Thursday. As per information, nearly 20,000 RPSF personnel will be deployed largely in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

4. Director General, Railway Protection Force, Arun Kumar on Wednesday said, "I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. We will be liaisoning with district administrations and will have a control room in place." He also requested the protesters not to cause any inconvenience to passengers and end the four-hour agitation peacefully.

5. As per reports, several trains in Punjab have either been cancelled or diverted on the backdrop of rail roko protest. Meanwhile, SKM also informed that 'kisan mahapanchayats' will be organised across the country in the coming days. The protesting farmer unions have been alleging that the laws will weaken the minimum support price mechanism and end mandi system.