Farmers Movement Archive

Bike rally held in 100 villages

Jalandhar, December 12Kisan unions held a motorcycle rally in solidarity with farmers’ protest against the three agri laws on Saturday.The march was held across 100 villages in Nurmahal, Nakodar, Phillaur, Mehatpur, Shahkot, Lohian and Kartarpur.Santokh Singh Sandhu, member, Kirti Kisan Union, said, “Tinno kheti kanoon churo choor, Es ton ghat nahi kujh manzoor” (we won’t accept anything less than repealing of the three farm laws).Hans Raj Pabwan, a member of Pendu Mazdoor Union, said protests will continue until the Centre revokes the controversial laws.He condemned Agriculture Minister’s statement that farmers left the talks and the latter shouldn’t have expanded the movement when talks were on.He said that the Centre must prioritise farming and give a clarification on farmers’ issues.The duo said farmers would not relent and the talks failed due to adamant attitude of the Central Government. They said the Centre was trying to defame farmers and the entire movement.Reliance stores forced shut in Jalandhar, staff assures cooperation Jalandhar: In solidarity with farmers’ protests, members of Sikh and Dalit organisations on Saturday asked the staff to close Reliance stores in Jalandhar. Leaders of the Sikh Talmel Committee, Ambedkar Sena, Gurdwara Chenvi Patshahi Dusht Daman and Dal Khalsa also got the Reliance Jewels and Reliance Trends stores near Guru Nanak Mission Chowk closed. Managers of both showrooms relented to the request and assured the members of the organisations that they shall convey to their higher ups to keep the stores closed until the demands of farmers were met. Members of the organisations also raised slogans in support of farmers outside the stores after they asked them to close it. Hapreet Singh Neetu, member, Sikh Talmel Committee, said: “We asked the staff to close the Reliance stores in the city yesterday. Today, we got to know that while the main gates of these two stores were closed, they were continuing with their business via the rear entrances. Thus we got it closed. The managers supported our demands. We are also finding out all other Reliance and allied stores in the city. We shall get all others closed too. We won’t allow opening of stores until farmers’ demands are met.” Tejinder Singh Pardesi, member, Sikh Talmel Committee, said: “We are not against any employee or worker. But as long as farmers’ issues are not addressed, we will not allow the opening of any Ambani or Adani store. Farmers are fighting for their livelihood and for our food sustainability. We request all Punjabis to support farm stirs beyond caste and religion. TNS

The Tribune

2020-12-13