Farmers Movement Archive

Behind the scenes : The unseen forces holding farmers’ movement together

Tribune News ServiceNawanshahr, July 5Behind a mass movement of farmers against the three controversial agri laws, there are teams, which work quietly and dedicatedly at the ground level. Their work is as difficult as managing the centre stage at the Singhu border. Members of various teams constantly make strategies and start working early in the morning.In Nawanshahr, teams have been divided into four zones Nawanshahr, Banga, Aur and Balachaur block.Members sensitise youngsters and masses to visit Singhu border to keep the movement alive. Apart from holding protests, press conferences and meets, the teams look after every aspect of giving momentum to the cause.Showing black flags to Congress MP Manish Tewari on his recent visit to Nawanshahr to burning copies of the agri laws, the farm unions have proved their strength and presence in remote areas as well.Bhupinder Singh Waraich, coordinator, Kirti Kisan Union (Nawanshahr), said there’s no stopping now. “We raise issues that affect general public. Recently, we protested against the state government for not providing electricity for 8 hours during the paddy season. Now, we have planned to hold a huge protest on July 8 against increase in prices of petrol and diesel. In the same manner, we follow orders of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and act accordingly,” he said.Waraich said despite farmers being busy during transplantation of paddy, they ensure that morale of their counterparts at Singhu, Tikri and Ghaziabad borders, stays high. He said a bus full of farmers and their supporters heads to Delhi every week.Women have been contributing equally. Groups of women had started awareness campaigns in Nawanshahr villages months ago. They have been going to every household and organising meetings to make people aware of the agri laws. “We talk to women and tell them that the fight can be won only if they support farmers and do their bit,” said a member of a women team.

The Tribune

2021-07-06