On way to Amritsar, farmer leaders get grand welcome

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 13

Residents’ overwhelming love for farmers was witnessed as Kisan Morcha leaders were served homemade delicacies such as pinnis, barfis with hot tea on their way to Amritsar to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple on the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway.

Farmer leaders Gurnam Singh Charuni, BKU (Rajewal) president Balbir Singh Rajewal, Doaba Kisan Union’s Manjit Singh Rai and Rakesh Tikait all crossed the highway amidst cheer by locals.

The villagers showered flower petals on them and distributed sweets for the “victory” of their protest against the three farm laws.

Farmers unique connect with young blood was witnessed when slogans of Kisan Mazdoor Ekta Zindabad were raised by students aboard a school bus.

Kashmir Singh, an office-bearer of BKU (Rajewal), said, “We owe our victory to the blessings of Guru Nanak. So today farmers have all gone to offer shukrana. Now, every child and every farmer has become one.” He added, talking about farmers’ future plans, “I was there at Delhi borders for the past nine months. We have brought back souvenirs of things we kept or built there. We treasure them all our lives. We have brought everything back and will keep them for rest of our lives. However, we are also sad for the farmers who lost their lives.”

Jeet Singh, an elderly Jandiala farmer who waited along with the Sangat, said, “It is a collective win for all. We are all very happy. I also spent considerable time there. Its a moment for triumph and gratefulness.”

Paramjit Kaur, an anganwadi worker from Nakodar, who along with her friend Manjit Kaur welcomed farmers, said, “All our fellow workers in Nakodar support the farmers. We did ardaas for their victory. The morcha had blessings of the people of Punjab. That is why it has emerged triumphant. There were honest prayers and hard work involved. It has all paid off. We have come to welcome and congratulate farmers on this victory.”

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