Farmers Movement Archive

How powerful khaps stood behind farmers, aided agitation

MEERUT/MUZAFFARNAGAR: Since September last year when farmers started their protests against the Centre’s new agricultural laws, the powerful khaps -- not only of western UP but also Punjab and Haryana – have been the lifeline of the agitation. They have come together to share the same platform with the single aim to provide full support, from sending tractor trolleys for transport to arranging funds and food round the clock. These khaps ensured that there was no slackness in logistical support at the Delhi borders. In fact, khap leaders kept urging families to make adequate food and shelter arrangements for the agitating farmers at various protest sites. Baba Surajmal of Batisa Khap in west UP said in Shamli on Friday, "No war can be won without logistical support. Khaps have been the lifeline of this movement. After all, it's a matter of sustenance for farmers, and khaps should not be seen as separate from farmers." Jitender Singh Huda of Huda khap, also in Shamli, added, "What RSS is to the BJP, the khap is to the farmers’ movement. It will not be an exaggeration to say that khaps have been the backbone of the agitation, and this bending of the government has rejuvenated them." On September 5 this year, the massive mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnagar witnessed the unified face of major khaps of western Uttar Pradesh that resolved to "hurt BJP's prospects in the forthcoming assembly elections in the state". Bahawadi Shyam Singh, a Gathwala khap leader who presided over the mahapanchayat, had then said, "The massive participation of Punjab and Haryana farmers, and with considerable representation from states such as Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, has galvanized the peasant community of UP against the farm laws and this fire will spread in entire UP now. The farmer will immensely hurt the BJP with his vote.” Head of Baghpat’s Desh khap, one of the biggest khaps in the region, Chaudhary Surender Singh had gone to the extent of asking local BJP MLAs and MPs to “tender their resignations and stay home”. “They (politicians) have come to power with the help of farmers’ votes, they will need the votes again. Sab hisaab rakha jaayega (everything will be accounted for)." Surender Singh, accompanied by hundreds of farmers, also carried food from Baghpat to the Delhi border in January. Now, more than two months after the September mahapanchayat in Muzaffarnager, these leaders are all smiles following PM Narendra Modi’s announcement that the farm laws would be repealed. They feel that their support to the cause has resulted in a "historic win”. Naresh Tikait, head of the Balyan khap whose outfit Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) led the agitation in UP, said in Sisauli (Muzaffarnagar), "Repealing of the farm laws has saved the honour of farmers. Khaps have played a major role in this achievement. This agitation has united the khaps like never before. All our differences have been ironed out and we stand unitedly behind farmers who have seen much exploitation and neglect in the recent past.”

The Times of India

2021-11-20

Meerut