Farmers Movement Archive

Repeal of farm laws: All smiles at Tikri border, farmers say they aren’t going anywhere, yet

NEW DELHI: Almost a year after farmers began their protest against the three agri laws, there were smiles all around at Tikri border on Friday. The protesters, however, maintained that they would stay put at the site till the laws were taken back officially in Parliament. “Gurupurab is a bigger celebration for us than the Prime Minister’s announcement. In the past, too, several promises were made but not kept. We will believe the government when the laws are actually taken back. We are happy, but there are issues to be addressed. We have other demands too,” said Ruldu Singh Mansa (70), national president, All India Kisan Mahasabha. Mansa added that while the farmers would go ahead with their proposed march to Parliament on November 29, they would meet before that to decide their future course of action. On Friday afternoon, celebrations were already on for gurupurab and children were singing songs on the stage. Several farmers then spoke about the PM’s announcement. Amrita Kundu (35), a member of Mahila Kisan Committee, said, “Until the laws are withdrawn in Parliament, we can’t be sure of the next step. There are issues that need to be addressed, such as MSP and electricity bill.” Many protesting farmers were seen dancing to the beats of dhol and langar with kheer was served to all. By noon, they dispersed to their tents and trolleys like usual. While some said it was a surprise, a handful said they had expected it. Mansa was onboard a train when he got a call from a mediaperson informing him about the development. “I had gone home for two days to prepare for the upcoming events. My phone started ringing in the morning and has not stopped till now. We are happy, but the movement will continue as other issues have not been addressed,” he added. Advocate Amarveer Singh Bhullar, who has been fighting cases for the farmers, said, “This move was made out of the blue. The PM is still not acknowledging the fact that farmers across the country were united over this. At least the PM accepted that we are farmers, else we were given multiple names, right from being terrorists to Khalistanis and what not.” Baldev Singh Sandoha, Bathinda district president, BKU, said, “The laws should be taken back in the same way they were brought. Until the authorities sit with our leaders and listen to our issues, we are not moving out of here. It’s sad that so many farmers lost their lives for this announcement to be made. We hope the government thinks about them too.”

The Times of India

2021-11-20

Delhi