Farmers Movement Archive

For them, Delhi protest akin to freedom struggle

Tribune News Service Sangrur, January 7 For many, the indefinite agitation of farmers at New Delhi borders has come as the first incidence to experience the “true Punjabi spirit”, but for freedom fighters and their kin, it’s no less than a second battle for freedom. Many have high hopes of victory, while some are apprehensive about the protest falling prey to political manoeuvres. “My father Bhagwan Singh Longowalia was very close to the founder of Praja Mandal (self-rule movement in princely states), martyr Sewa Singh Thikriwala. The spirit to fight against repression and injustice is in my blood. As I have experienced the freedom struggle and also aware of the Praja Mandal movement, I can surely say that the present struggle of farmers is gaining strength in the same way,” said 87-year-old Shaminder Kaur. She, along with the families of other freedom fighters, went to the Tikri border and stayed there for three days, but had to come back due to her old age. “Though physically I am here, my soul is still in Tikri. I will visit the New Delhi border again soon,” she said. Harinder Khalsa, son of another freedom fighter Rajjit Singh who was a member of the Indian National Army of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, said majority of the relatives of freedom fighters were living in penury as neither the Centre nor the state government had extended them required help despite tall claims. “But now, the families of freedom fighters are not leaving any stone unturned. Many have been staying at various borders of New Delhi, while others are trying to send essential commodities as per their financial capacity. There are many others who are also taking care of the families of farmers in Punjab,” said Khalsa, who is also the president of Freedom Fighters’ Successors Organisation Punjab. Advocate Dasvir Singh Dalee, grandson of another freedom fighter and INA member Bahadur Singh, alleged that the “wrong” policies of various governments were pushing the country to the edge. “Farmers are fighting for their rights and we are extending all possible help as the present struggle has been reminding us of the freedom struggle. But we are also apprehensive as politicians might cause rift among farmers,” Dalee added.

The Tribune

2021-01-08