Farmers Movement Archive

Will defy lockdown orders in Punjab: Farm groups

Bathinda: Even as Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh directed the DGP to strictly enforce the weekend lockdown and deal stringently with any violation, particularly in view of farmers’ anti-lockdown protest, farmer groups declared they would defy the lockdown and ask shopkeepers to open shops on Saturday. Farmers said they would violate the lockdown on Saturday as planned. This is the first time that chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh has used harsh words for farmers, who he had been sympathising with so far. “We are committed to violating lockdown guidelines on Saturday, come what may, and even call upon shopkeepers to accompany us in the protest and open their shops. We are ready to face any eventuality, ready to face lathi blows or even go to jails if the government deals with our protest in such a way but we will surely go ahead with the protest,” BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan said. BKU (Ekta Dakaunda) vice-president Manjit Singh Dhaner said they have planned ahead. “We do not fear such diktats and will go ahead to defy the lockdown tomorrow. We have planned for it and even held meetings with traders. If the government wants to deal strictly, let it do that and test our commitment,” said Dhaner. Taking a tough stand on the issue for the first time in seven months, when the farmers’ protest started, Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday said that the Kisan Morcha could not dictate terms to the state government and warned of strict prosecution in case of violation of any restrictions. He also said that if any shops were opened in violation of restrictions, owners would be prosecuted. Various sections of society denounced the decision of farmer groups to defy lockdown at a time when the entire nation, especially Punjab is facing a major spike in Covid cases and fatalities. But no unanimity in SKM meeting Consensus could not be achieved on defying lockdown in Punjab and Haryana in the meeting of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha at Singhu border on Friday. Though farm groups from Punjab had put the point in the meeting, unanimity could not be reached, inside sources said. Two days ago, farm organisations of Punjab had decided to openly defy lockdown in the state and also to take shopkeepers along In view of the Covid situation, a convention proposed for May 10, to be attended by academics and intellectuals, was also postponed. Farm leader Rakesh Tikait’s group decided to take on the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, especially after its dismal performance in panchayat polls. It was stated that details would be worked out.

The Times of India

2021-05-08

Chandigarh