New Delhi, July 20 (IANS). Before the proposed farmers movement in Delhi, farmers organizations targeted the central government. He said that his movement is not for confrontation with the Haryana government, but against the India-US trade agreement. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher in Fatehgarh Sahib said that farmers should get the democratic right to go to Delhi and express their views in a peaceful manner. At the same time, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait criticized the government regarding the students’ movement in Haridwar, Kanwar Yatra, rights of Van Gujjars and the electoral process.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told IANS that farmers have left for Delhi with hundreds of vehicles under the banner of ‘Desh Bachao Morcha’. Farmers from different districts of Punjab gathered at Fatehgarh Sahib, from where further strategy is being made. Their aim is to hold a peaceful protest at Kisan Ghat in Delhi for only four hours and return after conveying their views to the government. But, there are reports of farmers being stopped and roads closed at Shambhu border. If farmers are stopped on the roads overnight and face problems, then the responsibility for this will lie with the Saini government of Haryana and the Modi government at the Centre.
Sarwan Singh Pandher alleged that instead of talking to the farmers or placing the complete draft of the India-US trade agreement before the country, the government is adopting a repressive attitude. He said that in the morning many farmers including farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni were arrested. From this it has become clear that the government wants to suppress the peaceful demonstration.
Pandher claimed that the proposed India-US trade agreement is not in the interest of the country and farmers. Indian small and medium farmers will not be able to compete against America’s large agricultural producers, which could have a serious impact on the livelihood of farmers. He further said that the Chief Minister of Haryana constantly comes to Punjab and carries out his political activities, but when the farmers of Punjab want to go to the country’s capital Delhi to present their views, they are stopped on the way. The central government should clarify whether Punjab is also a part of the country or not. He said that the farmers had to reach Delhi using only the Haryana road and hold a peaceful protest there.
On the possibility of ban on Shambhu border, Sarwan Singh Pandher said that farmers do not want any kind of conflict. He said that the protest will be carried out in a peaceful manner as per the circumstances prevailing on the spot.
At the same time, Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union in Haridwar, criticized the government on various issues. On the alleged lathicharge on students in Delhi, he said that whenever the movement intensifies, such incidents will come to light. There has been lathi charge on the agitators earlier also. Lathicharge is always done on those who fight for their rights, whereas no such action is taken against those who support the government. If the government adopts a dictatorial attitude, then the fight for rights is fought only through movement. He also clarified that the farmers have supported the students’ movement.
Commenting on the elections and agitations, Tikait alleged that the government can also create irregularities in the elections. He said that if the government is sensitive then hunger strike is effective, but if the government adopts a dictatorial attitude then the fight for rights is fought only through agitation.
Regarding Kanwar Yatra and upcoming religious events, Tikait said that Haridwar is an important religious place in the country. He appealed to the administration to treat Kanwar pilgrims with respect and avoid unnecessary jostling. Preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela should also be done better so that the devotees coming from all over the country do not face any kind of inconvenience.
When asked about ‘Vande Mataram’ bill, Rakesh Tikait said that if the government wants to bring any law in this matter, then that is its decision. The person who lives in the country should say ‘Vande Mataram’, he has no objection in it.
–IANS
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