Farmers Movement Archive

'Genuine farmers' not involved: Capt Amarinder Singh

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said violence was not the solution to any problem even as he called for the new farm laws to be withdrawn, reflecting the party's determination to back the agitation and the farm organisations protesting the legislations. Congress's position was, however, modified in a late evening statement that seemed to take into account the negative fallout of the violence, including a raid on the Red Fort on Republic Day. "The protesters should keep their objective in mind. Non-violence and satyagraha have been the biggest success of this protest led by farmers and workers. We strongly hope that this coalition of farmers, workers and the poor will continue on its path of non-violence and peaceful protest and stay firm for the repeal of the three farm laws,” the party said. The worry in Congress ranks was that violence on Republic Day would undercut any sympathy gained over the last four months by peaceful protests. There was nervousness over a religious flag hoisted on the Red Fort ramparts by some protesters. Rahul, in a tweet early in the day, said, “Violence is not the solution to any problem. If anyone gets hurt, the damage will happen to our country. Take back the anti-agricultural law for the benefit of the country.” Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh voiced concern over the violence most directly when he called the development “shocking scenes in Delhi”. He suggested the violence was carried out by “some elements” who were not “genuine farmers”, and that farmers’ leaders had disassociated themselves from it. “It will negate the goodwill generated by peacefully protesting farmers. I urge all genuine farmers to vacate Delhi and return to the borders,” he added. Hours earlier, in his R-Day address, Singh had lashed out at the Modi government for the farm laws, lack of consultation and sidelining of Punjab when the laws were framed. Others who voiced their worry included former minister Shashi Tharoor who said, "Most unfortunate. I have supported the farmers’ protests from the start but I cannot condone lawlessness. And on Republic Day, no flag but the sacred tiranga must fly on Red Fort." Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Gill said, "There is place for only one flag at the Red Fort and that is our tricolour, tiranga. Hoisting/putting any other flag irrespective of demands is unacceptable. We all serve the nation and nothing else is above that. People resorting to such tactics are hurting the cause of farmers." But Congress chose to remind that the provocation was the three farm laws and the procrastination on the part of the government through “endless talks”. Party spokesman Randeep Surjewala called it an attempt to “tire out” the farmers and said 175 farmers had died during the last 61 days of protest, but without succeeding in moving prime minister Narendra Modi into showing some sympathy.

The Times of India

2021-01-27

India