Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers raring to join Kisan Gantantra Parade

Tribune News ServiceJalandhar, January 24With the Delhi Police finally granting permission to farmers to hold the ‘tractor march’ in Delhi on Republic Day, elated farmers termed this decision as a step closer to getting the three controversial farm laws repealed.No sooner did the news of permission for the tractor march spread, social media platforms were abuzz with posters and messages of ‘Kisan Gantantra Parade’ i.e. tractor march on social media. From Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram to YouTube, farmers were seen sharing messages about tractor march. Some farmers said it was a big boost for them and a further motivation for many others, who were yet to reach Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders for the tractor parade.Amarjot Singh, the youth president of BKU (Rajewal), Jalandhar, said it’s an immense victory for farmers. He said: “Sarkar nu permission deni hi paini si. (The government was bound to give permission). For us, this is a victory. However, the real victory would be on the day, when these three black laws would be scrapped. Farmers’ protest has become one of the longest, peaceful and non-violent protest not just in the country, but across the world, too! The entire international spotlight is on farmers’ protest and we will lead by example.”He shared that the enthusiasm of farmers was on cloud nine. “Even on Sunday, over 100 tractors left for Delhi from Samrai, Jamsher, Pholariwal, Sarhali, Jandiala and other villages. While small villages were sending around five to six tractors, big villages were sending 15 to 20 tractors each. We have arranged funds for farmers, who cannot afford hefty diesel expenses and buses for women and children, who want to participate in the tractor march,” he said.Another farmer, Gurpreet Singh Atwal, also the spokesperson of Doaba Kisan Sangharsh Committee, said by now, the Modi government has understood that the farmers would not listen.“It is good that the Delhi Police gave permission for the tractor march, as even the government knew that there was no other option. Farmers were already upbeat about the tractor march, but this development has given them a big reason to cheer. After all, we are also the citizens of this country and have every right to so.Farmers were also seen sharing messages of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of tractor march in Punjabi on social media, where the prime emphasis was laid on peaceful, disciplined and a dedicated march for their cause. Notably, the farmer unions had already announced that no ‘political party flags’ were allowed in the tractor march. Farmers were informed that only Tricolour and farmer union flags were allowed.As all roads leading to Delhi were flooded with tractors till late night and even on Sunday morning, farmers from other rural areas such as Phagwara, Adampur, Nakodar, Shahkot, Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi, Begowal were also seen carrying enough supply of ration. “Though, all unions and independent groups have got enough ration, we were informed to bring more of it. Our aim is to participate in the protest and ensure its success,” said Harminder Singh, a farmer’s son heading to Tikri border.Vipan Pal, another young farmer from Adampur, also said the moment he got to know that Delhi Police had granted permission for the tractor march, he decided to leave for Singhu border. “I had already planned to attend the tractor march, but this development boosted my morale. We would be leaving on Sunday night with a group of over 15 people from surrounding villages in cars,” he said.Notably, the farmers’ unions were conducting meetings with the Delhi Police to reach a consensus. On Saturday evening, Swaraj India president Yogendra Yadav had informed that the police have given them permission to conduct the tractor parade. The Delhi Police have announced that they would remove the barricades at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders for the tractor march on January 26.Healing touch: Medicines donated to agitating farmers Jalandhar: As the farmers’ protest against the three contentious farm laws entered its 60th day, many of them have been supporting the cause in their own unique ways. From setting up the blood bank at the Delhi-Haryana borders to supplying all essential items to farmers, people are doing their bit to contribute towards the historic protest. Members of a city-based social service group ‘Vish Foundation’ have also come out in support of peasants and donated medicines to the farmers at Singhu and Tikri borders. The youth distributed all essential medicines to farmers. “In case of emergency, these medicines can be used by food growers away from their homes for almost two months now. While they are camping outside in such cold weather, we have brought some essential medicines that will come to their aid,” said Vish Karam Pal Singh Dhiman (29), the owner of the foundation. The donated medicines include; Vitamin C tablets, nasal drops, anti-rash treatment, Vitamin B12 capsules, crepe bandages, cough syrups, packets of petroleum jelly, vics and cofsils, diclofenac spray and tube, paracetamol tablets, painkillers and others. Dhiman said the medicines were stocked after consulting doctors working at the borders to providing medical aid to farmers. Petroleum jellies, bandages and multivitamins were in demand at the protest sites. TNSEnthusiasm at its peak as farmers proceed to DelhiJalandhar: The enthusiasm is at its peak these days not just among farmers, but everyone expressing solidarity with them. As scores of farmers leave for Delhi, they are receiving so much love and appreciation on the way. Residents salute them and raise hands in respect. Rakesh Kumar, an industrialist, said the moment he sees tractors marching, he wants to let them know that everyone is with them. Hundreds of tractors moved towards the Singhu and Tikri borders and 300 tractors of Kirti Kisan Union alone marched towards the capital from Nawanshahr on Saturday. Youngsters, women joined the procession and expressed their desire to add more strength to the movement. Gurbaksh Kaur, president of Istri Jagriti Manch, said history clearly tells that whenever women have become a part of any movement, they have always won. She said: “Women are playing a very important role in this movement and for Republic Day, we are fully prepared.” Ravinder Singh, a farmer from Nawanshahr, said preparations started days ago. “We formed teams, made people aware and asked them to join us. Before we could convince them, they were all ready to accompany us. We have never seen such a response in any other movement before,” he said. Farmers have been saying that the support for them was evident as residents were with them and supporting them. “Some saluted us while we marched past them, others flashed a thumbs up sign and raised their hands in respect. It is a great feeling. This is our win,” a farmer said. Slogans were also raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and farmers relayed the messages on loudspeakers as they proceeded for the big parade on January 26. TNS

The Tribune

2021-01-25