Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers' protest: ‘Refuelling’ at these tents for agitation next day

NEW DELHI: A petrol pump at Singhu border has become home for protesters after NGO Hemkunt Foundation placed insulated tents there to ensure protection from the harsh weather. Jatin Singh, a representative Hemkunt Foundation, said, “A lot of people have suffered the biting cold, and our organisation thought we should do something so that the elderly are warm and safe in the wintry conditions.” He said that there were 84 tents on Monday and they would get at least 100 more by Tuesday. “To use the tents, one has to register with us. After the 100 additional tents arrive, we will place them in the space remaining at the petrol pump. We may add more tents if needed,” Singh said. On Twitter, Hemkunt Foundation said, “It’s late at night with the temperature being 12 degree Celsius and our team is constantly adding tents to the tent city we have set up at Singhu border for the farmers.” Kunal Singh testified to having stayed in one of the tents during the day. With the tents almost all full, he offered his place to an elderly protester who needed it more. “I am just 28 years old and can manage sleeping outside, but he cannot,” Kunal reasoned. “The elderly farmers have been serving us for a long time. Now, when they are standing up for our future, taking care of them during our stay at Singhu border is the least that we can do for them.” Besides the tents, there are several other spots along the stretch where the protest is going on that have shelters erected for the agitators. “There are people who are taking refuge in their tractors. Some of them are sleeping beneath them to keep themselves warm at night,” pointed out Anuj Kumar, a protester from Haryana. “But it is becoming increasingly important to open more shelters here. I am sure such provision will be made because nothing is going to stop us from continuing our protest against the farm laws.”

The Times of India

2020-12-15

Delhi