The ongoing agitation against the Centre's three agricultural laws has witnessed yet another turn as as farmers on Wednesday announced a four-hour nationwide 'rail roko' (rail blockade) on February 18. In a statement, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which is spearheading the protest, also announced that toll collection will not be allowed in Rajasthan from February 12. "There will be a 'rail roko' across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm on February 18," the SKM said in the statement. Earlier this month, they had observed a three-hour road blockade to press their demand of repealing the three laws.
Thousands of farmers have been protesting against the three laws which were enacted in September last year. The protesters have been alleging the laws will weaken the MSP mechanism and end the mandi system. The announcement comes hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha in which he appealed to the protesting farmers to come to the table to resume talks. Replying to the motion of thanks on the President’s address in the Lok Sabha earlier today, PM Modi said that the government and Parliament have great respect for farmers who are voicing their views on the three farm laws, and made it clear that those who want to continue with the old agriculture marketing system can continue doing so. "This House, the Government and we all respect the farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills. This is the reason why topmost Ministers of the Government are constantly talking to them. There is great respect for the farmers. After the Laws relating to agriculture were passed by Parliament - no Mandi has shut. Likewise, MSP has remained.