As per reports, farmers have announced a “rail roko” (rail blockade) protest in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, scheduled for Friday (01 May), in response to the closure of railway gates in the Matahiya village area.

• The protest, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Union (Singhania), has been ongoing for several days, with farmers raising concerns over the closure of railway gates numbered 148, 147, and 146 for the past two years. The closures have reportedly increased travel distance to agricultural fields from approximately 500 metres to around 15 kilometres.
• Farmers have stated that the blockade will be implemented if their demands are not addressed. Demonstrations have included gatherings and slogans against railway authorities, citing a lack of resolution to the issue.