Photo Source: ANI Migrant Labourers at Anand Vihar bus terminal.
Kisan Morcha opposes lockdown, decides to feed migrant labourers
New Delhi, April 20, 2021: The farmers protesting three farm bills at Delhi borders have opposed the lockdown imposed in the national capital by CM Arvind Kejriwal-led government in the light of the COVID-19 surge.
The protesting farmers have now decided to feed the migrant laborers stuck in Delhi during the ongoing lockdown.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday informed that farmers organizations in the Ghazipur border have started preparing food packets which will be distributed at various bus stations and railway stations in Delhi where the migrant laborers are risking their lives and going to their homes.
The farmer union shared that thousands of these packets were distributed on Wednesday at the Anand Vihar bus terminal.
Expressing concern over the lockdown imposed, the farmer organization said that lockdown will be very harmful to the farmers at this particular time.
“SKM is worried about the corona epidemic and the Lockdown being put imposed its influence. General people in large will be affected by so many public facilities. At the same time, this Lockdown is also very harmful to the farmers at this particular time. Crops are being harvested and, in this process, many vehicles, instruments, and equipment will be used. Farmers will have to go for services and any recovery of these instruments in an emergency. Lack of access to those workshops and equipment shops is also a loss to the crop and future of the farmer,” the farmer union pointed.
Govt itself is weakening Mandi system: SKM
The farmer union also commented on the ongoing procurement. They accused the Central government of attempting to impose neo-liberal policies and weakening the Mandi system.
“In this session, ever since the procurement of wheat has started, the central government is constantly trying to impose neo-liberal policies. In many parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, there is no timely delivery of Bardana (big bags) in the markets, due to which the farmer has to stay in the mandi for several days and has to sell to private traders. The government itself is weakening the mandi system and then claims to abolish it by citing its malfunction. Forced direct payment and demanding land records is also a step in this direction, which the farmers will strongly oppose,” stated SKM.
The farmer union also celebrated the birth anniversary of farmer saint Dhanna Bhagat at the Tikri border. The soil was brought from the village of Dhanna Bhagat and programs were held in his memory today.
“Dhanna Bhagat is not only an inspiration for the farmers, but he had also spread awareness on other social issues like education, dowry system, gender equality, and other issues,” the farmer leader said.
The farmer union claimed that the farmers and laborers have started returning to Delhi borders.
“Farmers attended in large number on the Tikri border. Farmers whose crops have been harvested and sold in the market have started reaching the Singhu border too,” SKM added.