The Farmers’ Protest against the Three Farm Laws brought in by the Central Government began on November 26, 2020. It has now crossed 150 days, and seems to continue in the days to come until the Centre withdraws the three laws.
Protest amidst Covid-19:
As the whole nation is fighting the second wave of the pandemic, there is a worry over how the farmers (who are mostly elders) will tackle this obstacle ahead of them.
Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the coalition of forty Indian Farmers’ Union taking forward this protest have been reported to have taken adequate measures to ensure the safety of the protesting farmers.
SKM was reported by The Federal to have said that proper sanitation and cleanliness will be ensured at protest sites of farmers. Masks and other essential equipment will be distributed to the farmers. The administration has set up vaccination centres in the protest where farmers can go and get vaccinated.
“Farmers will have to take the COVID test after observing symptoms. Farmers are already living in the open space and with physical distancing. SKM is equally fighting against farm laws as well as against corona,” said Harinder Singh Lakhowal, an SKM leader.
“On the other hand, the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in the capital Delhi and patients have died due to lack of oxygen in many hospitals. SKM extends its condolences to all those who have died during this period or who are infected. In the interest of the country considering the human aspect, the farmers have already opened the roads from one side of Delhi’s borders for emergency services,” said Harinder.
Parliament March planned!
The farm leaders have planned to undertake Parliament March. The Union Leaders have said that the date and time of this march will be announced soon. Farmers who were away, engaged in wheat harvesting are expected to join their fellow farmers in the borders soon.