Farmers Movement Archive

Nation united against agri laws: SGPC chief

AMRITSAR: Accusing the Narendra Modi-led central government for ignoring the interests of farmers, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur claimed the entire nation was up against the recently introduced farm laws. The Center didn’t seem concerned about the “unrest among farmers which had spilled on roads due to its apathetic attitude”, she alleged. On Monday, SGPC held ‘ardas samagam’ in all the historic gurdwaras for the success of the agitation and ‘chardi kala’ (high esteem) of farmers. Kaur said voices of support to the farmers had also emerged from various countries like Canada, the US and the UK. She hailed the role of Punjabis in the protests. The SGPC even went on to advise the PM not to follow Hitler’s policy. While reiterating that all the offices of SGPC would remain closed on Tuesday to express solidarity with farmers, she appealed to the Centre to listen to the voice of the farmers and repeal the recently introduced agri laws. “The SGPC has prayed to Guru Sahib for farmers’ agitation. The voice of truth is being raised by farmers with courage, fortitude and bravery and is guided by the Sikh history,” she said. Kaur said SGPC had dispatched portable lavatories and bathrooms for the women protesters. Meanwhile, Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Hangu, near Saragarhi on Pakistan-Afghan border, announced it held a ‘ardas samagam’ and offered prayers for the ‘chardi kala’ of the farmers of India . “I don’t know much about the new agriculture laws introduced in India but there must be something detrimental due to which the farmers have taken to roads,” the gurdwara chairman said. Other bodies back bandhMeanwhile various organisations have extended support to the bandh call. Jasbir Singh of Physically Handicapped Association led a group to farmers on dharna near a private shopping mall and announced to back the protest. Sikh Forum president Pushpinder Singh Chopra also extended support and said, “It must be appreciated that farmers have not allowed any political party to take advantage of their genuine concerns,” said he. Private Transport Workers Union president Dilbagh Singh said they were with the cause of farmers as “its trickling effect would be felt by everyone including small-time businessmen”.

The Times of India

2020-12-08

Amritsar