Punjab: Farmers Protesting in Amritsar Block Railway Tracks; 6 Trains Cancelled, 9 Diverted - Check List

Amritsar, March 4: At least six trains were cancelled and nine others diverted as protesting farmers in Punjab's Amritsar blocked the railway tracks. The agitation left scores of passengers moving to and from Amritsar stranded. The North Western Railways issued a statement, informing the affected commuters that their scheduled trains will run behind the schedule.

Trains affected due to the farmers' agitation include the Ajmer-Amritsar Express (numbered 19613), Amritsar-Ajmer (numbered 19612), Hisar-Amritsar (numbered 54601). They were cancelled due to the portion of tracks enroute being damaged by the protesters. NSUI Members Stop Metro Train at Vishwavidyalaya Station, Demand Concession in Fare for Delhi University Students.

Check the List of Trains Cancelled/Diverted Due to Farmers' Agitation in Amritsar:

The agrarian agitation was organised to protest against the Amarinder Singh-led government for not implementing a complete loan-waiver. The farmers also demanded the implementation of Swaminathan Commission report, which would ensure 150 per cent hike in minimum support prices (MSP) offered to the farmers.

The rail roko protest was called after the Chief Minister, in a decision taken on Saturday, announced a waiver for landless farmers only upto the principal amount of Rs 25,000, for the loan taken till March 31, 2017. In addition, upto 7 per cent simple interest would be waived off, pending till March 31, 2019. The sop would impose an additional expenditure of Rs 520 crore on the state government, whereas, the number of beneficiaries are estimated to be 2.85 lakh.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2019 11:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).