Punjab MSMEs call for PM's intervention to resume freight services

Ludhiana, Nov 9 (KNN) Miffed over the war between railway authorities and farmers’ unions over movement of trains in the state, anguished Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) associations have sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to end the deadlock.

“Understanding the problems of industries and state government, farmers have given a clear and written statement that freight trains will not be stopped in the state. The Punjab government has also given written assurance of safety to the railway ministry. All Lok Sabha members from Punjab have also complained to the department and ministry concerned,” said Badish Jindal, president of the All India Industries and Trade Forum in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“It is shameful that the Union railway ministry has laid down the condition that freight trains will be allowed to ply only when farmers allow movement of passenger trains. It is a clear indication that the centre is trying to pressurise farmers and the state government through the railways,” he added.

The AITF president also said thousands of containers are stranded at ports, goods have been dumped in warehouses and more than 80 per cent exports have been cancelled. Similarly, three-lakh tonnes of scrap being exported into Punjab is also lying at ports.

“Punjab hosiery and garment industry have been affected. Due to coal crisis, power cuts have started affecting the functioning of industries. If the situation does not change soon, thousands of factories will be forced to shut down and millions will lose their jobs,” he added.

The farm bills are a matter between farmers, the state and central government and industries have no relation with this subject, Jindal asserted.