Farmers Movement Archive

Delhi: Younger farmers make relay trips to keep supplies intact

NEW DELHI: Gurjeet Singh, a 35-year-old farmer from Mohali in Punjab, has been doing his bit to ensure that his compatriots sitting on protest at Singhu border do not run out of essentials. On Thursday night, he reached the protest site along with four others in vehicles loaded with fresh bread, tea and water bottles. “We contacted senior farmers and asked them for their requirements. We will return to our village after five days when another group comes here with more rations,” said Gurjeet, while serving food at a langar. Over the past nine days, the younger farmers have been doing relays for food and other items. While the farmers said they had enough rations for months, the youths from their villages were joining them periodically with fresh supplies to avoid any inconvenience. This has also ensured that the number of protesters remains high. Amarjeet Singh, an 80-year-old farmer camping at the border since November 26, said, “When four farmers leave Singhu border in the morning, six others arrive at night along with essentials. We plan the relays in such a manner that our numbers at the site keep on rising. We are here for the long haul and will leave only when the farm laws are rolled back,” he added. Kanwaljeet Singh, who was planning to leave on Saturday morning for Fatehgarh Sahib, said, “We came here to offer our service to those who are fighting for our survival and rights. We were assigned the duty of preparing food. When we return, others will take our place. We will come back if the need arises.” The farmers said the relays also helped in ensuring that they were able to take care of their farmlands. Avatar Singh, another farmer from Punjab, said, “Many Delhiites are coming here to give us food, warm clothes and newspapers. We are happy with the support.”Many locals had opened their houses and shops so that they could use the toilets, he added.

The Times of India

2020-12-05

Delhi