Farmers-Labourers Rally in Amritsar gear up for Dec 6 Delhi March amid renewed protests

Mohan Sharma Chandigarh/Amritsar: The Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab organized a significant farmers and labourers' rally in Khujala village of Amritsar district. This event marked preparations for the December 3 Shambhu Border protest and the December 6 Delhi march. Thousands of farmers, labourers, and women participated in the rally, signalling their commitment to the ongoing struggle.

Leaders Denounce Government Tactics:

State leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Harwinder Singh Masanian accused the central and Punjab governments of using diversionary tactics to shift focus from the agreed-upon demands of the farmers' movement. They emphasized that the massive turnout proved the public's unwavering support and stated that the arrests of movement leaders would only strengthen their resolve.

Concerns Over Privatization and Prepaid Meters:

Addressing the rally, state leaders Lakhwinder Singh Varyam Nangal and Kanwardeep Saidolehal criticized the government's move toward privatizing the power sector by introducing prepaid meters. They called this a blatant disregard for essential farmer-related issues.

Call for Mass Participation:

The leaders appealed to farmers, labourers, and women to gather in large numbers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders on December 3. They dismissed rumours about the government reopening the Shambhu border as baseless. The rally ended with an announcement that senior leaders would lead the Delhi march on December 6.

Hunger Strike Highlights Farmers' Resolve:

The rally also highlighted the ongoing hunger strike by farmer leaders Jagjit Singh Dallewal and Sukhjeet Singh Hardozande. Sukhjeet Singh, a former soldier, declared his commitment to fighting for the farmers’ cause, equating the struggle to a battlefield sacrifice.

Upcoming Protests Against Punjab Government:

Sanjha Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced plans to gherao Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Sangrur on December 1. They also declared that effigies of Mann and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal would be burned nationwide.

Key Participants in the Rally:

Prominent district leaders, including Baldev Singh Bagga, Kandhar Singh Bhoewal, Sukhdev Singh Chativind, Balwinder Singh Rumanachak, and Charan Singh Kaler, were present. Thousands of supporters, including women, added to the event's momentum.

This rally and subsequent marches aim to escalate pressure on the government to meet farmers’ demands, particularly on issues like MSP guarantees and resisting privatization in essential sectors.