Farmers Movement Archive

Delhi: For farmers, New Year will have to wait

NEW DELHI: For Sukhdev Singh, a farmer from Moga, New Year’s Day was no different from all other days since November 26, when he started his protest at Singhu border. Sitting in his tractor-trolley, Sukhdev said, “It feels like any normal day to me. The new year will begin for us when our demands are met and we can return home. My five-year-old grandson, Armaan, is at home and we both miss each other a lot. But I told him that we will celebrate only after the victory of the farmers.” Most farmers at the protest site said New Year’s Day did not hold any significance in their lives as their aim was withdrawal of the three farm laws. The only special thing to happen on Friday was nagar kirtan (religious procession). Harinder Singh, a farmer from Khairpur Jalta village in Patiala, said, “We did not celebrate New Year’s Day as we are fighting for our rights. We took out a nagar kirtan to pray for our victory. However, 2021 will remain memorable for us and our future generations as we began the year with a unique protest by camping on the highway.” Jagat Singh, a farmer from Nawanshahr, said, “New Year’s Day doesn’t matter to us. We are here with one goal and no celebration can take place till it is achieved.” Amandeep Singh, a volunteer at a langar, said, “We change the menu of our langar daily. We didn’t cook anything special for New Year’s as all days are the same for us.” However, 2021 brought new hope for some farmers. “We hope our fate changes this year. We are eagerly waiting for the next round of talks with the government on January 4,” said Mahipal Singh, a native of Patti town in Tarn Taran district. The women in his family are also en route to join the protest. Preetpal Singh (34) said he and his family members go to Golden Temple on New Year’s Day every year to seek blessings. “This year, we are giving seva at Singhu border,” he added.

The Times of India

2021-01-02

Delhi