From Farmers movement to people’s movement : A report from Ghazipur border

17/02/2021

(Samaj Weekly)- The farm protests started from Punjab and it is now nearing three months. Initially, it was the farmers from Punjab who fought against it and people of Punjab while heartedly supported it yet it was easier for the ruling party to target it as sponsored by Sikh separatists or Khalistanis. Attempt were made to insult the farmers and make them feel guilty for the incident on the January 26th, 2021. That was time when the government had planned a police action to remove the farmers from their protesting places at Singhu Border, Tikari Border and Ghazipur border. At the Ghazipur border situation had turned tense and volatile when hundreds of Uttar Pradesh police personnel started moving. That time, the people saw Bhartiya Kisan Union, Leader Rakesh Tikait in tears on their TV screen and that turned the table. The farmers in Western Uttar Pradesh and Haryana started pouring in to Ghazipur border and the police had to retreat. Since then, the movement has grown wider and political leaders have expressed their solidarity with the movement. Now a large number of people from different walks of life, religious gurus and leaders, Ambedkarites, Bahujan leaders too have joined hand and came out in open support.

I visited Ghazipur border on February 16th, 2021 during the day time, saw various people and spoke to many of them to understand what was the thought process. To my understanding farmers are determined to fight it out. Now, they are organising Maha Panchayats in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana with massive presence of people. They are determined that they wont go till the laws are repealed. A number of ex-servicemen too joined the protest and supported farmers call to repeal the three farm laws.

I am sharing this 28 minute documentary on the protest at Ghazipur. It is basically whether the Kisan Andolan or farmers movement has now turned into a Janandolan or people’s movement.

Regards,