Peasants have put the government on the backfoot: AIUFWP

The All India Union of Forest Working People (AIUFWP) observed dharnas at Dehradun in Uttarakhand and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on December 14, 2020 in solidarity with Indian farmers opposing the three laws forcibly passed by the central government.

“The nationwide movement is progressing at an impressive pace with middle-class people also joining peasants. This is the first time since Independence that the central government has gone on the back-foot due to a peasant uprising, I think. As farmers and people who have opposed government authority, Adivasis understand the kisan’s plight and promise to stand by them,” said AIUFWP General Secretary Ashok Chowdhury.

Around 200 people assembled at Dehradun city including women workers and members of All India Kisan Sabha to decry the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance & Farm Services Act, the Farmer’s Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act.

Meanwhile, in Saharanpur, protesters of similar strength assembled outside the district collectorate to protest the laws. According to Chowdhury, the group would have been larger however local leaders from Samajwadi Party were put under house arrest earlier. Nonetheless, he said police did not bother the assembled agitators.

Chowdhury also praised peasants for attacking companies directly. He pointed out that this government belongs to corporates instead of India’s people. So, it’s good that people are reminding the government about citizen’s will, he said.

Moreover, he said that Adivasi groups planned to intensify agitations further on December 15 ‘Forest Rights Day.’

“While celebrating Forest Rights Day to condemn the burning of our houses and exploitation of our land, we will also once again voice our support for the peasant’s movement,” he said.