BKU (Charuni) takes out tractor marches
Tribune Reporters
Ambala, February 17
Under the banner of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farm activists took out tractor marches in various districts today in support of agitating farmers, who have been camping at the Haryana-Punjab borders.
Govt scared of farmers
A large number of farmers have suffered injuries during the protest. They just wanted to reach Delhi to raise their demands in a peaceful manner. It seems that the government is scared of them. — Malkit Singh, BKU(C) Ambala dist chief
After staying away from the protest, the union had extended its support to express solidarity with the farmers. As per the call, farmers in large numbers took part in the tractor marches and raised slogans in support of their pending demands.
Union chief Gurnam Singh, who led the march in Pehowa, said, “The farmers have been protesting for genuine demands. The government should fulfil its promises. They are not carrying any weapons, hence the government should not use force on them. A large number of farmers suffered injuries.”
“We have decided to hold peaceful protests in the state. A meeting of representatives of farmer unions, khap panchayats and sarpanch associations will be held at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra tomorrow to decide the future course of action,” he added.
In Shahabad, union spokesman Rakesh Bains led the march and said, “Resentment prevails due to the heavy tear gas shelling and use of rubber bullets on farmers. Due to the closure of roads and suspension of mobile Internet, the public is facing inconvenience.”
“A large number of farmers have suffered injuries during the protest while they just wanted to reach Delhi to raise their demands in a peaceful manner. It seems the government is scared of them,” said Ambala district chief Malkit Singh.
In Karnal district, farmer leaders led the protests at Gharaunda, Indri, Assandh, Nissing and Taraori. Union youth state president Vikram Kasana said similar parades were organised in Kaithal district.
In Panipat and Sonepat districts, slogans were raised against the government.