Farmers Movement Archive

Farmer leaders seek non-political support

On the eve of the Bharat Bandh, farmer leaders tried to find a balance between highlighting Opposition endorsement of the nationwide strike call as a sign of the widening support for their movement and refuting the government’s accusation that the protests have now been hijacked by vested political interests. “We want to thank political parties for support, but we appeal to them to leave their own flags and banners at home and stand solely in support of farmers,” said Krantikari Kisan Union president Darshan Pal while addressing a press conference called by Punjab’s farmer leaders at the Singhu border on Monday. So far, 24 political parties have come out in support of the bandh, according to farmers’ groups. They include Congress and Left parties, and regional outfits such as DMK, TRS, SP, BSP, RJD, Shiv Sena, NCP, SAD, Trinamool Congress, AIMIM, AAP, JMM and the Gupkar Alliance. Ahead of the bandh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday issued an advisory to all the States and Union Territories that no untoward incident should occur during Tuesday’s strike. The advisory asked them to maintain peace and tranquility and ensure that all COVID-19 guidelines are strictly followed. An MHA official said additional security personnel have been deployed across the national capital. The farm union leaders said the strike will be effective from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. adding that no essential or emergency services will be disrupted.

The Hindu

2020-12-08

NEW DELHI