Farmers’ protest hits trains in Punjab

Rail services in Punjab were disrupted on Monday, after agitating farmers led by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) stopped trains at several places, protesting against tardy wheat procurement and demanding higher compensation for damaged crops due to inclement weather.

“Railway section between Jalandhar and Amritsar was severely affected because of farmers agitation for the last several hours, causing great inconvenience to passengers including women and children,” said Divisional Railway Manager of Ferozepur Division Anuj Prakash.

Among the affected trains, Amritsar Mail (13005), Nangaldam-Amritsar Express (14506), New Delhi-Amritsar Swarna Shatabdi Express(12029) were stopped due to agitation at Butari, Dhilwan and Beas respectively while Saharsa-Amritsar (15531), Shane Punjab (12497), Saryuyamuna Express (14650) were stopped at Suranussi, Kartarpur and Jandiala Guru, officials said.