Farmers Movement Archive

Martyrdom of Udham Singh observed as anti- imperialism day at farm protest sites

Bathinda: The protesting farmers observed the 81st martyrdom of freedom fighter Udham Singh at all the protest sites, at Delhi borders and at various places across Punjab as ‘anti-imperialism day’. Floral tributes were paid to the freedom fighter after recalling his contribution in the freedom struggle. Belonging to Sunam in Punjab, Udham Singh was hanged in Pentonville prison on July 31, 1940 for assassinating Michael O’ Dwyer at Caxton hall, London on March 13, 1940. Farmers said they get inspiration from the heroics of Udham Singh apart from Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha and many more. The speakers highlighted the life struggle and sacrifices of Udham Singh, as he fought against imperialism. The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) stated some attempts again are being made by BJP and its allies to defame the farmers movement in newer ways by portraying protesting farmers as ayyashjeevi (debauched). Anti-farmer forces have attempted foisting numerous labels on the protesting farmers calling them as separatists, Khalistanis, protestors sponsored by opposition political parties, anti-social elements and anti-nationals, asserted SKM. “It is only the fear and weakness of the anti-farmer forces that is being showcased here in these condemnable maligning campaigns,” said SKM. SKM said the Delhi assembly has passed a resolution seeking the repeal of the three central farm laws. The resolution criticised the Union government for not agreeing to the farmers’ demand so far despite so many months of peaceful protests and asked the Prime Minister to re-initiate talks with the protesting unions. A delegation of leaders from various political parties has met the President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention to form a joint parliamentary panel to look into the matter of hundreds of deaths during the farmers’ struggle. These parties are contesting the government’s claim that it has no record of any farmer deaths in the ongoing movement and are demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the deaths. The parties also reportedly appealed to the President to ask the Centre to allow discussion on the farm laws in the Parliament and Narendra Modi must listen to it, said SKM.

The Times of India

2021-08-01

Chandigarh