Decision to repeal three farm laws: Eldest woman protester happy but still gripped with scepticism

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 19

Rajwinder Kaur (75), the eldest farmer protester, who has been camping at the Chandimandir toll plaza since last November despite extreme weather conditions, is in a jubilant mood today.

In one year, she had to face worst, including serious charges like rioting and criminal conspiracy, but she braved all with head up.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today the repealing of farm laws, she is still gripped with scepticism about the government’s intention.

“I can’t fall for his words. He says something, but does something else. We won’t leave struggle until the farm laws are repealed in Parliament,” she says.

“We are just a step forward. The fight will continue,” she adds. Rajwinder Kaur was among seven farmer leaders and their 250 supporters, who were booked for “blocking highway at Chandimandir” on August 28.

Karam Singh, a local leader of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), says she (Rajwinder Kaur) has given everything she could to the farmers’ struggle at her age when most prefer comfort.

They were not ready to give up their struggle as many of their demands, including enactment of the law that would guarantee minimum support price (MSP) to farmers for their produce, were yet to be fulfilled, said Karam Singh. He further dubbed the PM as ‘jumlebaaz’.

“He had also promised Rs15 lakh in bank account of every Indian. Did it happen? We have too many reason to not believe him (PM),” Karam Singh added.

Meanwhile, cheerful scenes were witnessed at the Chandimandir toll plaza after the PM’s announcement, which farmers termed as their victory.

At the Jaloli toll plaza in Barwala too, farmers burst into celebration, with sweets being distributed among all present on the occasion. Adding to the happiness, it coincided with the Gurpurb.