Farmers Movement Archive

Rs 35 lakh tractor of khap chief a head-turner at Tikri Border

CHANDIGARH: Shakti Vahan, a modified tractor owned by Sunil Gulia, the president of Gulia Khap 84, is the talking point at the Tikri Border these days. The tractor is parked on the Haryana side, near police barricading, where Sunil is camping with other khap members and farmers. The tractor — which has huge tyres, more sitting space and a personalised trolley — cost Sunil (48) Rs 35 lakh. “The customised trolley cost us Rs 5.5 lakh and was designed in Nurmahal, Jalandhar. Some parts and accessories have been procured from abroad,” said Sunil. For Sunil, the tractor is the equivalent of the elephants that khap leaders would once ride to meetings. Asked if he could have used a luxury car instead, Sunil said a tractor was like a farmer’s extended family. “We cannot continue with elephant rides anymore, so we decided to get something special as an alternate. We bought this tractor in February 2020 and the modifications were done by November,” he said. Gulia is camping at Tikri border since inception of agitation, after arrival of farmers from Punjab. Referring to his as well as khap’s role, especially after registration of sedition case last week, Gulia said he would return from Tikri only after farmers win their fight. “The way government is reacting, I think this fight will go a long way. Me, my family and our khap is totally devoted as well as committed to the cause of farmers. We will leave Tikri borders a day after our brethren from Punjab leave after winning this battle,” he said.

The Times of India

2021-01-21

Chandigarh