Chhavi Bhatia
New Delhi—More than a week after farmer leader Rakesh Tikait’s emotional outburst that breathed new life into the farmers movement, the outpouring of support, specially from Jats of western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan continues to be on an upswing. Khaps from across the BJP-ruled state have avowed unconditional allegiance and support to farmers’ protest, and more so to its badda bhai(elder brother) Punjab.
Khaps enjoy a strong influence in Haryana where its diktat is often considered set in stone. Major khaps in the state including Meham Chaubisi(one of the biggest), Kandela, Phogat, Sarv Sheoran, Dadri and Barh are among the prominent ones that have passed the resolution to send at least one person from each family to Delhi borders. Farmers from districts like Jind, Hisar, Charkhi Dadri, Kaithal, Rohtak are joining their counterparts at Singhu and Tikri daily.
Panchayats are being held across Haryana, hailing the commitment of Punjab farmers to the stir and giving a clarion call to join the cause. Elders and influential people in villages are also impressing upon people to be at the protest sites in large numbers to “counter” any move by the government to evict them.
“The government is trying it best to break our unity and destroy our morale. It won’t work though. Everyday hundreds of tractors are coming from our villages,” said Ramparkash Poonia, a farm leader from Bawanikhera. “Farmers are upset that the government wants to forcibly remove us when all that we have been doing is holding a peaceful sit-in for our rights. That is why everyone is now resolved to sit at the state border,” said Om Prakash Hooda, senior member of Hooda khap. The farmers who appeared to have gone a backfoot following the turn of events at the Red Fort, are also increasing numbers of protesters at toll plazas in areas like Mayar in Hisar, Jind, Karnal which they have managed to keep toll free since the stir began in November.
Khaps are also unanimous that apart from reinforcing their footing, their support too is also crucial in the light of events that unfolded at Red Fort and the violence at Singhu where farmers were attacked by a group claiming to be locals. Sombir Sangwan, independent MLA from Charkhi Dadri and khap leader announced at Singhu recently that Haryana youths will “protect” farmers from any violence that may take place in future. “10000 youths will be on standby to reach whenever needed in just an hour. All khaps have agreed that it is our responsibility to protect the farmers,” he said. “Sikhs have done a tremendous job in leading this agitation. They have worked hard to protect our democracy. We must do our duty to protect them and stand with them. No one can dare touch our farmers,” he added.
