India farmer protests latest: Farmers meet govt & diaspora protests arranged
A meeting with Indian state officials and representatives of the various kisan (farmer) protest groups from across the country today resulted in a standoff, with another meeting set for 3 December.
In the meeting, farmers’ representatives unequivocally pushed for the three new farming bills implemented earlier this year to be repealed. Instead of responding to this, leads of India’s BJP government requested for a five-man committee to be made to be negotiated with, a request which was rejected and called a delay tactic by the protesters.
The fallout of this much anticipated meeting means the protests continue, with farmers and their families still currently waiting in solidarity with the movement at Delhi’s borders and within the city too. More farmers are still joining up with the protesters from across the country, only adding to the weight of the pressure on the state.
One issue coming out of the run-up to the meeting and highlighted after it is the lack of trust many farmers have with the farmers’ union groups of India, whom many believe are either working for their own agenda and are looking to pacify the movement for the benefit of their own relationship with the state. This was highlighted in a recent talk arranged by the California Sikh Youth Alliance, featuring three respected Sikh scholars. You can watch the video here.
In the livestream discussion, the influence of unions was singled out as the biggest threat to the protests according to Dr Prabhsharanbir Singh. According to Dr Singh, in the past when Union led demonstrations have taken place has seen little support in comparison. The current protests are so big as they are coming from centuries of traditions that teach Sikhs to fight resistance. He urged the unions not to go against the Sikh led movement that is bringing people together.
Along with the news of protesters joining, Sikh PA understands that 2,000 Nihung Singhs have also made their way to join the farmers in protests, primarily from Baba Bidhi Chand Dal in Sursingh, Punjab, and the Hazuri Fauj from Hazur Sahib, Nanded. Other Nihung Singh Dal (battalions) have stated that they are also prepared to support the protesters with Langar (communal food) and any other Seva (selfless service) that is required.
In other news regarding the protest, today India’s taxi union said they will go on national strike should the farmers’ demands not be met by 3 December. Meanwhile, Dalit (the community viewed according to the Indian caste hierarchy as low-caste) leaders have spoken in support of the protesters. Media outlets such as Republic TV and Zee News have been highlighted as pushing state propaganda to demonise the farmers, according to protesters.
Various political figures from across the world have spoken out about the issue too, including the likes of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Lord Singh of Wimbledon (UK) and Australia Labour’s Rob Mitchell.
A lone protester raising awareness of the issue outside the Indian high commission in London has inspired many.
From diaspora movements to show solidarity with the protests, the following rallies have been arranged:
UK LONDON 6 DECEMBER SUNDAY
UK LEICESTER 6 DECEMBER SUNDAY
CANADA SURREY BC 3 DECEMBER WEDNESDAY –
USA BAY AREA CALIFORNIA 5 DECEMBER SATURDAY
CANADA GTA TORONTO 5 DECEMBER SATURDAY
All this news comes the day after Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj’s Gurpurab (Guru’s day – reference to day of Guru Nanak’s birth), which is annually one of the most celebrated calendar events for Sikhs. Protesters ensured they still marked the occasion through connecting with GurBani (Guru’s Word).
Another new message being pushed is that the protesters are NOT seeking donations from fundraisers. This was advocated in a message shared by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall group, and underlined by a message from Khalsa Aid who are providing protesters with langar (Sikh communal kitchen service).
Sikh PA will continue providing updates on this story as they come.
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