Farmers Movement Archive

We did it, claims BKU (Krantikari) on stalling convoy

Tribune News ServiceChandigarh, January 5Members of the BKU (Krantikari) were allegedly responsible for stalling the cavalcade of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Piareana village of Ferozepur today.A group of farmers, owing allegiance to the BKU (Krantikari), had blocked the elevated road near Piareana village, in protest against the PM’s visit to Punjab today. The blockade started at 10.30 am after they were stopped by the police from marching towards the DC office in Ferozepur. However, these protesters claimed that they did not know that the PM was stalled on the route till the news went viral after the PM had left.Carrying green and red flags, they continued to raise slogans against Modi.It may be mentioned that several farmer unions, including the BKU (Ugrahan), BKU (Dakaunda) and the Kirti Kisan Union, had been protesting across the state against the visit for the past three days.“The protesters, led by BKU (Krantikari) and some members of our union, Krantikari Kisan Union, did not believe the police when they urged them to lift the blockade, saying that PM Modi’s cavalcade was not getting the right of way to reach Ferozepur. The decision to hold protests across Punjab, with maximum concentration in Ferozepur was taken by 10 unions, including BKU (Ugrahan), in a joint meeting held at Barnala on December 31,” Darshan Pal, president, Krantikari Kisan Union, told The Tribune.As the protesters realised that they had actually stalled PM Modi’s Ferozepur rally, Baldev Singh Zira, general secretary of BKU (Krantikari), addressed the protesters and claimed that the farmers had taught “arrogant Modi” a lesson. “He had placed spikes on the borders of Delhi to prevent your march, you have now forced him to retreat,” he told them.Avtar Mehma, press secretary, Krantikari Kisan Union, said during the meeting of farm unions on December 31, a decision to hold protests during the PM’s visit was taken.Ultra-left unionThe BKU (Krantikari) is believed to be an ultra-Left farmers’ union. Though a part of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, it had recently chosen not to be a part of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha — the political formation of farmers’ unions. A member of the BKU (Krantikari) said they had taught Modi a lesson.

The Tribune

2022-01-06