Farmers Movement Archive

Rajasthan farmers attend cremation of Haryana Sikh spiritual leader

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Kisan Mahapanchayat leader Ram Pal Jat, along with other farmers from the state, on Friday attended the cremation of Sikh spiritual leader Sant Baba Ram Singh, who had committed suicide by shooting himself dead near farmers’ protest site at Singhu border on Wednesday, in Singhera village of Haryana’s Karnal district. In a suicide note in Gurmukhi, Baba Ram Singh wrote he was unable to bear the pain of the farmers fighting for their rights on the roads in harsh winter conditions. “The farmers of the country will not let the sacrifice of Sant Baba Ram Dev Singh go in vain,” said Ram Pal Jat after attending the cremation. Meanwhile, the Jaipur-Delhi national highway (NH-8) continued to remain sealed at Shahajahanpur on Rajasthan-Haryana border for the sixth day owing to farmers’ agitation. The vehicles travelling to Delhi are being diverted through the Behror-Tatarpur-Khairtal route. The farmers have blocked the highway as they were not allowed to march towards Delhi in protest against the three farm laws passed by the Centre. Following the Supreme Court’s suggestion to the centre to consider deferring the implementation of the three farm laws, the state’s farmer’s organizations are in touch with the farmers’ coordination committee in Delhi to chalk out future course of action. All India Kishan Sabha (AIKS) leader Amra Ram said, “We are ready to have a dialogue with the centre, but they should first repeal the three farm laws. Now, the government should take a decision on this.” “We respect the decision of the Supreme Court. But, there is no positive reply from the central government yet. The Centre is not even willing to listen to the apex court. Presently, we are discussing the future course of action,” said Ram Pal Jat. The three farm laws that are being opposed by the farmers of Punjab and Haryana are — the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation); The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance; and Farm Services and The Essential Commodities (Amendment).

The Times of India

2020-12-19

Jaipur