Over 50 lakh people paid their respects to 40 martyrs, who died during the farmers’ struggle, across 22 states on Homage Day December 20, 2020.
Supporters organised nearly 90,000 programmes all over India on the call of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC.)
However, while most areas succeeded in memorialising the deceased without interference, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) unit of Khayerpur region in Agartala, Tripura had to allegedly fend off a group of armed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers. AIKS State Secretary Pabitra Kar and nine other participants in the event were injured during the altercation including three people who suffered serious injuries. According to the AIKS, Kar and another party member’s house and cars were damaged as well.
“We condemn this brutal and barbaric attack by BJP goons and demand action against the criminals,” said AIKS General Secretary Hannan Mollah.
Incensed by the recent attack as well as repeated attempts to trivialise the farmers’ movement, Mollah later condemned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) influenced BJP government for allegedly attacking farmers and playing divisive politics against them.
“We appeal to all patriotic, secular and democratic people to oppose this anti-farmers, anti-people force and stand by Annadatas in their struggle for existence. We are on the streets facing odd atrocities. Already many comrades laid down their lives. We are out on highways in the coldest winter. We are not getting human treatment. We need your support,” he said.
He added that despite 25 days of protest, the central government failed to listen to farmers and instead waited for them to tire out. However, he asserted that the united front of farmers will continue their struggle till they achieve their goal.
Farmers organisations in other areas such as Sitamarhi, Bihar held a tribute meeting to commemorate the martyrdom of farmers at the local Gandhi Maidan under the banner of AIKSCC and observed a two-minute silence. Representatives of constituent organisations Joint Kisan Sangharsh Morcha, Abha Kisan Sangha, Jai Kisan Movement and Kisan Sabha were also present at the Sunday event.
Kisan Jagran members decided to start printing 10 thousand pamphlets about the movement and start an indefinite fast from February 2, 2021.
Similarly, Darbhanga district in the state also paid their condolences to the fallen agitators.
During a press conference in the evening farmers leaders said that the joint farmers’ organisation would donate excess money from the agitation’s fund to compensate the aggrieved families.
Meanwhile, protests intensify in Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh as more people move towards border protest sites. Several troupes of protestors from distant states also plan to join farmers in Delhi. Similarly, agitation’s strength also rises in Shahjahanpur and Ghazipur areas.
AIKSCC and its constituents have launched a massive counter publicity campaign to refute all lies being propagated by the ruling regime and oppose 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.
Related:
Farmers’ leaders at Jaipur-Delhi highway promise growing strength over next few days
Kranti ka Naqsha, Mapping the Revolution
Gurudwara priest sacrifices life for farmers’ struggle
Are the new farm laws constitutional?
Karnataka’s peasant organisations to go on strike till December 31