The farmers' unions have decided to stay put at the Delhi border for time being as they refused to move to the Nirankari Samagam ground in the national capital. The farmer bodies are debating whether to move to this ground, which is still away from the political seat and central business district in the capital.
The massive 400 acres ground, used for religious functions, is being converted into a facility for the farmers. A few hundred of the agitating farmers are already at the ground. The farmers have come prepared for a long haul in the capital. “We have adequate ration for six months. For every five tractor trolley full of people, there is one trolley of ration. Our families have been very supportive; that's why we are here. They are saying return only after victory, whatever it takes,” Jaskaran Singh, a farmer affiliated to Bharatiya Kisan Union, from Faridkot.
“There is a ploy to keep us here, away from the city. We want to go to Ram Leela ground. This is what we are suggesting to our farmer unions. We have already won a major victory by entering Delhi after being stopped at multiple places in Haryana, and Delhi border. We will stay here till three laws are withdrawn,” said Laljit Singh Bhullar, a farmer from Tarn Taran in Punjab. Bullar was insistent that the issue was not just legal provision for MSP, but also withdrawing the three laws which were against the farmers.
Vijay Kant Jha, a farmer from Bihar, said he travelled to Delhi to be part of this protest. “We need food and employment first. These laws are against the farmers,” he said.
As farmers have managed to enter Delhi, there were reports that similar groups from other states would try to come to the national capital.
The farmers gathered at the Burari ground are awaiting the decision of the umbrella body of 30 different unions to take a call on next course of action— whether to stay put or move to Ram Leela grounds. The sentiment here at the ground is of cautious elation as they have been able to remove multiple barriers, including trenches, sand filled trucks, big boulders put by the Haryana and Delhi Police to reach, Delhi.
While, most of the farmers are stationed at the borders, only a few hundred are at the Burari grounds. They have their own ration where food, tea and fruits are being served to everyone. The Delhi Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the main body managing the Gurudwaras in the national capital, has started a langar (community kitchen) here. The Khalsa Aid, a NGO has also started their assistance booth.
Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government is also extending its full support to the protesters as it is making water, and other facilities available at the grounds. The tents are being set up, while the AAP MLAs and leaders have put up their banners outside the ground, welcoming the farmers.
The Union government, once again, appealed to the protesting farmers to come for talks on December 3. The farmers have come for long haul, and it would need deft handling from the Central government to deal with them.
