Farmers Movement Archive

Khalsa Aid erects temporary shelter homes for farmers at Singhu border

Tribune News ServiceJalandhar, December 8Continuing with their efforts to bring comfort to the protesting farmers at the Delhi-Haryana border, the teams of Khalsa Aid, have erected temporary shelter homes for farmers of the Singhu border. The farmers of Punjab and Haryana have been braving the elements for long now, protesting against the three agri laws enacted by the Centre.While the peasants assembled in large numbers on the outskirts of Delhi are least bothered about peaceful sleep, Khalsa Aid, a UK-based global Sikh charity body, is leaving no stone unturned in providing homely atmosphere to them at the protesting site.Considering the hardships faced by the agitators, especially women and children, the charitable organisation has erected two 300 bed capacity tents for them. Apart from comfortable mattresses and blankets, the tents are waterproof to keep farmers warm amid cold weather.Tejinder Pal Singh, a city-based Khalsa Aid member, who has been at the site for the past few days, said, “Amid limited supplies and unavailability of proper beds, we thought of creating temporary homes for farmers. For security, CCTV cameras have also been installed inside the tents for round the clock surveillance. In addition, special guards have been deployed to ensure safety of farmers. In view of the prevailing pandemic, the tents have been sprayed with disinfectants and hand sanitisers have been kept at the entrance to contain the spread.” It’s pertinent to mention here that the non-profit organisation has been with the farming fraternity from Day 1. Its volunteers arrange for tea and breakfast every day to keep the farmers proactive. They regularly prepare meals throughout the day. Since women had to struggle in the beginning, Khalsa Aid ordered 50 portable washrooms for their convenience. Tejinder elaborates on conveniences in the nipping weather.“Washing machines and warm water taps have also been installed for the safe hygiene of the farmers at the site so that the farmers do not face any problem,” he said.Farmers from about 35 farm organisations, mostly from Punjab, are staying put and protesting at Delhi borders since November 27 seeking repeal of the ‘Draconian' Bills which were passed hastily by the government.

The Tribune

2020-12-09