Punjab CM asks JP Nadda to call for collective will to resolve issue of goods trains movement

Expressing concern over the continued suspension of goods trains in Punjab even after easing of Rail Roko agitation by Punjab farmers, the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday wrote an open letter to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda. He called for collective will and statesmanship to resolve the festering imbroglio that could have dangerous consequences not just for Punjab but the entire nation, including the armed forces in Ladakh and Kashmir. Also Read | Unlock 5: All you need to know about changes taking place from today The Chief Minister stressed that this was neither the time nor the occasion to indulge in political confrontation or allegations/counter allegations. “What is needed at this critical moment is for all of us to put aside any temptations we may be harbouring to promote our political interests,” he said. Also Read | Punjab government issues new guidelines for reopening of more activities Adding, he said that it is “time for all of us to rise above political considerations and to respond as statesmen, to a situation that threatens to spiral irrevocable out of control, if immediate steps are not taken to stem the tide.” Citing the continued suspension of goods trains in Punjab, the Chief Minister warned that the armed forces were likely to be badly affected with the onset of winter, as they could run out of supplies and other requisites once the snowfall blocks the roads to Ladakh and the Valley. “These are dangers that neither the central government nor any political party, including the BJP, can choose to ignore,” he said, adding that “the onus lies on all of us….We need to all liaise together, with the common goal of solving the contentious issue, in the interest of the country,” he added. Referring to the losses caused in Punjab due to the prolonged Rail Roko agitation by the Punjab farmers, Captain Amarinder said that every day of the continued suspension of goods trains in Punjab is critical loss to the industry, agriculture and overall economy, in view of critical shortages of Power (Coal), Urea and DAP stocks. While urging the central government to take the lead to resolve the blockade issue, “which could prove to be the first step to finding ways to address the concerns of the farmers and find a permanent solution to the conflict caused by the contentious Farm Laws,” Captain Amarinder said BJP president JP Nadda could play a pivotal role in this regard as leader of the ruling party at the Centre. “Let us put our heads together to find a solution that will not destroy the lifeline of our economy, but will benefit every section of the stakeholder fabric that is getting adversely impacted by the current situation,” he wrote in his open letter to the BJP chief. -PTC News