Shahkot farmer pedals to spread word on laws

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, October 13

To condemn the Centre for doing injustice with farmers, Gurtej Singh croons ‘Klla Klla Banda Leero Leer ho gaya, Ikhath vich aake, Lohe di lath ho gaya’ while embarking on a 20-km journey on his cycle every day to spread the word on farm acts among people in remote areas.

Through the lyrics,the Shahkot-based marginal farmer wants to convey how the farmers got together and started a mass movement against the agri acts. On his cycle, he has even displayed a message which says, ‘Kheti Bill Vapis Lao’.

It is with the efforts of farmers like Gurtej that the movement has reached a point where it is today.

Singh, who starts his day at 5 am, has covered Mehatpur, Udowal, Ramuwal, Balanda, Parjia villages.

He cited that a high percentage of people didn’t have access to newspapers, social media and were oblivious to protests happening around, so he took it upon himself to educate people on these acts. “I won’t stop unless the acts are cancelled,” he said.

To boost the morale of protesting farmers, he has been circulating self-composed poems on social media.

“I even participate in protests happening around, and stay put there for 2 to 3 hours. However, I felt the need to do something more, which is when I put my bicycle and pen to use. I have been apprising people why it was vital for farmers to take such a huge step,” he said.