Farmers Movement Archive

Leaders of many groups join fast

At Singhu border on Monday, as the farmers’ protest entered the 19th day, leaders of various organisations observed a day-long fast in solidarity with farmers across the country. Avtar Singh Mehma, State Press Secretary of Krantikari Kisan Union Punjab, said 33 leaders were part of the hunger strike. “This is a symbolic strike. Farmers are observing the strike at their headquarters in different States and those who live nearby, will be marching towards the Capital on Tuesday,” he said, adding that two minutes of silence was observed on stage over the alleged deaths of over 20 farmers near Delhi borders in the last 18 days. Farmers also observed the strike in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana and other States, Mr. Singh added. He said the crowd is rising, and trackers and trolleys are being managed at the tail of the protest site. “Whoever joins is being asked to park vehicles by the side and not near the stage so that people have space to move,” he said. “A boycott of Ambani’s and Adani’s products has already been called,” he said, adding that the protest will continue to grow. Security stepped up Meanwhile, the Delhi Police installed another layer of security with steel adjoining the cement barricades. On Thursday, over 20 people from Odisha also joined the protest in solidarity with the farmers. “We want the government to take back the anti-farm laws. These bills will impact every state because the prices of wheat, rice, and vegetables will also increase. If the government believes that the protest is only restricted to Punjab and Haryana or only north India, we're here to change that perception,” said Amiya Pandav from an organisation Ama Adhikar. Sachin Mohapatra, State President of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasang (Odisha), said more people will arrive in the coming days. “Only one train runs every week, therefore, it takes time. I am one of the 40 people who meet the government officials and these people have come to support me,” he said. Keeping the fire alive Quintals of woods are stacked every few metres at Singhu border protest site and is used for cooking through the day and bonfire to beat the cold at night. Baljinder Singh, resident of a Rauke Kalan, a village in Punjab, said he brought 100 quintals of wood from his village to the protest site after a 12-hour truck ride. Mr. Baljinder received a call from his villagers protesting here regarding the need for wood. “As soon as I got the call, I gathered a few young boys and told them that we need to collect wood. Three trolleys set out for the work,” he said. Jaswinder Singh — a 19-year-old pursuing industrial training — drove one of the trolleys in the village and knocked doors requesting wood from each house. “People open their hearts and give as much as they can — 5kg or 50kg depending on their means,” he said.

The Hindu

2020-12-15

NEW DELHI