Farmers Movement Archive

Delhi: Waving flags, farmers to parade unity

NEW DELHI: Parminder Singh alias Kaka sat on a charpoy with a mirror in one hand and a brush in the other applying henna on his beard to “get ready” for Republic Day. The Ludhiana resident said over 200 people from his village were present at Singhu border and 52 tractors were ready to be a part of the parade on Tuesday morning. Singhu border was visibly more crowded on Monday with protesters gearing up for the Kisan tractor parade. From putting the national and the saffron Khalsa flags to strobe lights, hooters and speakers, the farmers were busy decorating their tractors. The tanks had been topped with fuel and the tractors were parked right near the barricades, ready to move out. “The idea is to celebrate the day and make our demands clearer in a democracy,” said Harpreet Singh from Jalandhar, who was sitting atop his year-old tractor. While parking his vehicle near the barricades, he added, “I will put the flag of India along with the Khalsa flag as that is our identity.” Komaldeep Singh from Jalandhar said, “Hundreds of tractors will have the flags of India, Khalsa and farm unions. We have been asked to raise slogans, be disciplined and not cause harm to anyone.” Even the hawkers and shopkeepers were busy supplying items to the farmers. Indresh Arora, who has been at Singhu border for over 34 days selling stickers, badges and flags, said, “I had given orders for these items in advance as I was sure their demand would be high a day before the parade.” A massive crowd was seen at a few stores on the highway selling decorative lights and other items. Amit Kashyap, one of the shop owners, said, “There is a huge demand for decorative lights, microphones, speakers and electronic horns.” Keerat Singh from Yamunanagar in Haryana was seen searching for lights, horn and a loudspeaker. Lali Lodhi Nangal from Gurdaspur said, “Personally, I want to grab the attention of people who may not have seen a tractor with multiple lights, flags and hooters,” he added. Paramjeet Singh of Jai Kisan Andolan said, “We will start at 10am and will be fully disciplined.” Many farmers felt that the large number of tractors and narrow roads could hamper movement, so they would begin to park near the barricades at dawn to avoid a traffic jam. “We will also carry food with us as it will be a long day. The tractor riders will carry makhana (fox nuts), gram, butter and bread to eat during the parade,” said Prabhjeet, a young farmer from Phillaur.

The Times of India

2021-01-26

Delhi