New Delhi, July 21: Ahead of the proposed farmers’ protest in Delhi, farmer organizations have targeted the central government. They assert that their movement is not aimed at clashing with the Haryana government but rather opposing the India-US trade agreement. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that farmers should have the democratic right to peacefully express their concerns in Delhi. Meanwhile, Rakesh Tikait, a leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, criticized the government in Haridwar for its handling of student protests, the Kanwar Yatra, forest rights for Gujjars, and the electoral process.
Pandher mentioned in an interview that hundreds of farmers have departed for Delhi under the banner of the “Save the Nation Front.” Farmers gathered in Fatehgarh Sahib from various districts of Punjab to strategize their next steps. Their goal is to peacefully protest at the farmer ghat in Delhi for just four hours, convey their message to the government, and return. However, reports have emerged of farmers being stopped and roads being blocked at the Shambhu border. If farmers are obstructed overnight and face difficulties, the Haryana Saini government and the Modi administration will be held responsible.
Pandher accused the government of adopting a repressive stance instead of engaging in dialogue with farmers or presenting the full draft of the India-US trade agreement to the public. He noted that several farmers, including leader Gurnaam Singh Chadhuni, were arrested in the morning, indicating the government’s intent to suppress peaceful protests.
He claimed that the proposed India-US trade agreement is not in the interest of the country or farmers. Indian small and medium farmers will struggle to compete against large American agricultural producers, which could severely impact their livelihoods. He further stated that while the Chief Minister of Haryana frequently visits Punjab for political activities, when Punjab’s farmers wish to voice their concerns in the national capital, they are obstructed. The central government must clarify whether Punjab is part of the country or not, he argued. Farmers only intended to use Haryana’s roads to reach Delhi for a peaceful demonstration.
Regarding the possibility of being stopped at the Shambhu border, Pandher emphasized that farmers do not seek confrontation. He stated that the protest will be conducted peacefully, depending on the circumstances at the time.
In Haridwar, Rakesh Tikait criticized the government on various issues. Commenting on the alleged police baton charge on students in Delhi, he remarked that such incidents occur whenever protests intensify. Historically, baton charges have targeted those fighting for their rights, while supporters of the government face no such actions. If the government adopts a dictatorial attitude, the struggle for rights will continue through protests. He also clarified that farmers support the student movement.
On elections and protests, Tikait alleged that the government could manipulate electoral processes. He mentioned that hunger strikes can be effective if the administration is sensitive, but if the government behaves dictatorially, the fight for rights will persist through movements.
Regarding the upcoming Kanwar Yatra and other religious events, Tikait stated that Haridwar is a significant religious site. He urged the administration to treat Kanwar pilgrims with respect and avoid unnecessary roughness. Preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela should also be improved to ensure that devotees from across the country do not face any inconvenience.
When asked about the ‘Vande Mataram‘ bill, Tikait said that if the government wishes to introduce legislation on this matter, that is their decision. He expressed no objection to anyone in the country saying ‘Vande Mataram.’
Leave a Comment