As cold takes toll on elderly, young farmers keep pot boiling

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 15

Farmers are ready for a long haul irrespective of the worsening weather conditions. As key leaders of the farmers' protest on the borders of Delhi fall prey to the cold winds, their second-in-commands have taken over, leading the protest with the same zeal.

The leaders, who till now were working in the shadow of their more prominent colleagues, are vociferous in their demand for the revocation of the laws.

Aware of BJP tactics

We are monitoring which way the propaganda machinery of the BJP goes. We are cautious that except the farm laws, no other narrative is to be allowed from the stage. — Rajinder Singh Deepsinghwala, KKU

Dr Darshan Pal of the Krantikari Kisan Union and Jagmohan Singh Patiala of the BKU (Dakaunda) were among the prominent leaders of the 'morchas' outside Delhi, who have now fallen ill. Also, many other farm leaders have age and lifestyle-related ailments. It is for this reason that younger leaders like Gurmeet Singh from the Krantikari Kisan Union, Rajinder Singh Deepsinghwala of the Kirti Kisan Union and Jangveer Singh of the Doaba Kisan Committee came forward and sat on a day-long fast yesterday.

Talking to The Tribune, Deepsinghwala said the younger leaders were as resolute in demanding the repeal of the farm laws as the elderly. "We are monitoring which way the propaganda machinery of the BJP goes. We are extremely cautious that except the farm laws, no other narrative is allowed to propagate from the joint stage of all farm unions," he said, adding that instructions had been issued to their cadres to practise religious beliefs and prayers only in their tents or individual resting places.

Jangveer Singh echoes similar sentiments. Having led many stirs in Punjab in favour of sugarcane farmers, he says he knows how corporates operate and dominate farmers. "It is for this reason that we are adamant that a stir be launched against the corporate houses who are the intended beneficiaries of the new laws," he says.

The young farm leaders are also meeting the youth and advising them to maintain the seriousness of the struggle, rather than using their time for fun.

from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3no3Fad