Ekta march in Nawanshahr calls for stronger Punjabi-migrant solidarity

A Pravasi-Punjabi Ekta March was organised in Nawanshahr today, calling for stronger solidarity between native Punjabis and migrant communities.

The march witnessed participation from several labour and farmer organisations, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), Pendu Mazdoor Union, Pravasi Mazdoor Union, among others.

Demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, demanding strict legal action against the accused in the murder of a five-year-old in Hoshiarpur, legal proceedings against village panchayats that passed resolutions targeting migrants, assurance of safety and security for migrant communities and an immediate joint meeting involving the district administration, religious and social organisations, farmer-worker groups and migrant unions. A separate memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Punjab was also submitted.

Prior to the march, a large rally was held at the local bus stand, attended by scores of people. The rally began with a two-minute silence to pay tribute to the five-year-old. Speakers at the rally included IFTU State President Kulwinder Singh Waraich, Pravasi Mazdoor Union District President Praveen Kumar Nirala, among others.