AMRITSAR, April 17 -- Farmers' organisations affiliated to Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (Punjab chapter) announced a three-hour 'rail roko' protest on April 17, demanding the commencement of wheat procurement and relaxation in norms following widespread crop damage due to unseasonal rains and hailstorms.

The decision has been taken jointly by farm bodies affiliated with the SKM and the KMM (Punjab chapter), with support also coming from groups under the Azad Kisan Morcha. Farmer leaders expressed resentment over what they described as government inaction at a time when growers are facing severe losses and uncertainty.

According to the announcement made by KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, railway traffic acros...