Farmer leaders at Singhu end hunger strike with ‘Ardaas’, fruits

New Delhi, December 14

The farmer leaders sitting on a day-long hunger strike while protesting against the three new agricultural laws on Monday have ended their fast.

They ended their fast after “Ardaas” of Guru Nanak Dev.

They also appealed to other farmer leaders at other borders like Ghazipur to end their day-long hunger strike.

They also prayed for the welfare of all (Sarbat da Bhala) and for the success of their cause by reciting Gurbani.

The prayers ended with the slogan “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh” resonating in the air at the Singhu border protest site.

After ending their strike, the farmer leaders drank water and ate fruits like apples and oranges.

They had begun their fast at 8 am on Monday.

Those who sat on hunger strike included Gurnam Singh Chironi from Haryana, Harinder Singh Lakhowal from Punjab and other leaders of more than 30 farmer unions under the banner of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha.

Earlier, farmer leader Baldev Singh said, "Representatives of farmer unions have started their hunger strike at Singhu border."

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to people to fast wherever they are in support of protesting farmers, and asserted that farmers would win in the end.

Also read: BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leader says they won't observe fast as decided by other unions

Fast in support of protesting farmers, appeals Kejriwal

Farmers in Punjab, Haryana begin hunger strike

AIKSCC to do away with post of convener

Kejriwal is observing a day-long fast in support of the farmers' protest.

The chief minister also urged his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) volunteers and supporters as well as the people of the country to join the farmers' agitation.

"Fasting is sacred. Wherever you are, fast for our farmer brothers. Pray to God for the success of their struggle. In the end, farmers will definitely win," Kejriwal tweeted.

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said he is observing the fast at the party office with other party members.

"The 'anndaata' farmer of the country is on hunger strike demanding the withdrawal of the three laws of the central government for the sake of saving his daily bread. In support of the demand of farmers, today I am also on a fast with all my colleagues in the Aam Aadmi Party office," Sisodia tweeted.

Apart from Sisodia, AAP ministers and MLAs, including Gopal Rai, Satyendar Jain, Atishi and Raghav Chadha, also observed fast at the party office here in support of farmers.

A large group of farmers on Sunday blocked the key Delhi-Jaipur national highway when it was stopped by police on the Haryana-Rajasthan border.

As part of the nationwide protest, dharnas will be staged at all district headquarters across the country on Monday.

In view of the nationwide protest, Delhi Police have enhanced security at city border points.

Multi-layered cemented barriers, additional police force and barbed wires formed the first layer of security at the protest site at the Singhu border. The second layer of barricades deployed by Delhi Police is being guarded by a team of the Rapid Action Force along with paramilitary forces. Then crossing through the toll plaza, as one reaches the main barricades, heavy police presence is witnessed.

The traffic police have issued advisory to commuters to take alternative routes in view of the farmers' protests.

"Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Sabholi & Mangesh borders are closed. Please take alternative routes via Lampur, Safiabad & Singhu school toll tax borders.

“Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK road. Pl avoid Outer Ring Rd, GTK road, NH-44.

"Gazipur border is closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to farmers protests. People are advised to take alternative route for coming to Delhi via Anand Vihar, DND, Chilla, Apsara & Bhopra borders," Delhi traffic police said in a series of tweets.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, are currently staying put at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in protest against the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

They have expressed apprehension that these laws will pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates.

The government has maintained that the new laws will bring farmers better opportunities and usher in new technologies in agriculture. Agencies

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.