All-India shutdown, March 26, Amritsar
The farmers' movement in India is deepening and broadening. On
March 26 an All-India shutdown took place. On April 5, all the Food
Corporation of India godowns
(a type of warehouse) were surrounded
in 736 districts of India, because officials have been asking to see a
copy of land revenue certificates
(LRCs) before they will buy the produce. This is yet another way to
harass farmers. Youth organized a massive rally in Sangrur, Punjab,
where thousands of farmers gathered. Leaders of the farmers also
joined. It turned into a report back and summation of the last nine
months. The problems which had appeared at each step were discussed
and how each was resolved through mass democracy. A frank, open and
productive discussion took place.
Shutdown of the Hind terminal continues to March 31
A baba (grandfather/respected elder) said that it was a misfortune for
farmers and Punjab to have them divided along party lines. He said, "I
was a founding member of the Farmers' Union of Punjab in 1972. But our
misfortune was that this union got divided into more than 30
organizations. I thank Modi for creating conditions that bring us all
together irrespective of our political or religious affiliations and we
have developed Unity in Action against the anti-farmer laws."
A
young student leader said, "Our fighting spirit had become rusty. We
talked about the fighting spirit of the Gurus, Dulla Bhatti, Banda
Bahadur Singh, Bhagat Singh and others, but were not conscious of what
plans are being made against people by sweet-talking politicians of the
Akali, Congress, Aam Admi Party, CPI(M) and others. It is to
the credit of the farmers and their sons and daughters that they got
together and made sense of these laws and united all the people. Now it
is a life and death battle against those who want to steal our lands.
It is an assault by corporations to capture our land, food and
everything that we need."
Another baba had everybody in stitches. He asked everyone in
the audience to raise their hand if they will transfer their land to
their son while living. Nobody raised their hand. Then he said, "If we
don't fight, the corporations will take away our land that you are not
even willing to give to your son. You will be turned into slaves and
beggars."
A young singer expressed the determination of the farmers in a verse:
Jadon Tain Mod Di Ni Kaale Kanoon Diliye
Hik Te Teri Tractor Chahrd Ke Baithange
(Until you repeal the anti-farmer laws,
We will keep tractors on your chest, Oh Delhi)
A young farmer said that he graduated with a law degree, travelled
the world visiting relatives and now works on the land with his family.
He said we have developed our own vision of a new society Sarbat Da Bhala (Well-Being
of All) based on the teachings of our Gurus, Bhagats, Sufis, Ghadari
Babas and the experience of world's
people. We are quite capable of building our own future. He said there
are some self-appointed "leaders" running around telling us that
farmers are the "motive force" and they are the "leading force." They
say the farmers have to be led by them. But we are our own leaders and
are quite competent at solving society's problems. We are fed up
with those who want to "lead us." Watch out for such "leaders," he
said.
A
cavalcade of one of the farmers' legitimate leaders was attacked with
gunshots and stones in Rajasthan. Farmers blocked several highways.
Four persons connected with BJP have been arrested. Many actions are
planned by farmers and other toilers in the coming days. On April 10,
KMP highway -- a beltway around Delhi -- will be jammed for 24 hours.
On April 13, the founding of the Khalsa as a force against oppression
will be celebrated. On the same day, the anniversary of Jallianwala
Bagh massacre will be commemorated. On April 14, on the anniversary of
the birth of B.R. Ambedkar, the violation
of rights and draconian laws by the government will be highlighted on
Constitution Day. May Day will be celebrated at the protest sites. In
the first week of May, a March on Parliament is being planned by
farmers and toilers from across India.
March 26 All-India Shutdown
This article was published in
April 7, 2021 - No. 25
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/WF2021/Articles/WO08254.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
