Victory for farmers
Item
Title
Victory for farmers
Description
The government had taken a maximalist position when it rammed the farm Bills through the Rajya Sabha without a proper division as propriety demanded. Parliamentary democracy has built-in mechanisms to evolve consensus through committees; and laws that impinge on the livelihoods of millions of farmers ought to have been discussed thoroughly in those consultative and standing committees before being rolled out like bulldozers on standing crops. The protests that ensued have taken a huge toll on the people of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh in terms of over 60 lives lost, six farmers committing suicide, disruption of traffic and livelihood; yet, the farmers were remarkably restrained, not letting emotions override the philosophy of non-violence.The whole nation should salute these farmers for their fortitude, discipline, tenacity and endurance. They taught a few lessons in community living, langar and sewa to the rest of the nation, making this protest unique. Now, they should not repeat the government’s mistake by taking an extreme position. They should return triumphant to their villages. The planned tractor rally should now be a joyous victory parade celebrating the Republic and the farmer-citizens, who send their children to fight and die for the Republic.
Publisher
The Tribune
Date
2021-01-22