Farmers Movement Archive

Thousands of tractors from Hry khaps leave for Delhi

Jind: Thousands of tractors from several khaps of Jind district on Sunday left for Tikri border in Delhi to take part in the proposed rally on the Republic Day. Members of Kandela khap, which had led a similar protest against the then INLD government in 2002 for around two months, Chahal khap, Sarv Jatiya Daran khap, Majra khap and Binain khap were among those leaving for the national capital. A massive number of tractors could be seen moving towards Delhi through the Jind-Patiala national highway all through the day. Besides, farmers from Haryana and Punjab were also seen leaving for the border on bikes, cars and other vehicles in large numbers. Local farmers on the way welcomed these protesters by offering them hot milk and food on the highway and wished them success in their crusade against the Centre’s three agriculture laws. The farmers are carrying all necessary items with them, like flour, water tanks, firewood, cow dung cakes, hukkah and bedding, among more. Thousands of tractors from various districts of Haryana, including Kaithal, Hisar, Fatehabad, Bhiwani and Yamunanagar, also moved toward Delhi borders during the day. Talking to TOI, Tek Ram Kandela, president of Kandela khap, who joined the march, said, “Around 2,000 tractors left from our khap and thousands more from other khaps of the district. We are seeking repeal of these three farm laws enacted by the Centre putting farmers under distress.” Jitender Chattar, a protester, said, “A nation’s head must not be so adamant. Farmers are camping braving cold at the borders and several have died, but PM is silent. This time the farmers will teach the government a lesson and win this fight.” Raj Singh Redhu, another Delhi-bound farmer, said, “We left the village to fight with the Centre, which is seeking to destroy the farmer community that feeds the nation. Farmers are keen to take part in the protest, as they have understood the implications of the agri laws. It will be better for the BJP government if it repeals these laws.”

The Times of India

2021-01-25

Chandigarh