Thousands of Farmers, Workers and Youth Leave for Chandigarh Rally

Convoys of farmers from across Punjab began heading towards Chandigarh on Friday morning to participate in a rally and protest being organised at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 34. The demonstration has been called by two farmer organisations — Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda-Dhaner). Apart from farmers, the convoys also include a large number of youth, women and labourers. Participants had made advance arrangements for their journey, reflecting the extensive preparations for the rally. According to available information, large groups of farmers and workers from districts across the Malwa region departed early in the morning. They travelled in buses, vans and other personal vehicles after making arrangements for community kitchens (langar) and other essential logistics for the journey. Ram Singh Bhainibagha, Mansa district president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), said there is significant enthusiasm among farmers, women, labourers and youth regarding the rally. He stated that the protest is being organised against the agreement that the Government of India is pursuing with the United States, along with several other demands concerning farmers, labourers, youth and various important issues affecting the state. He further said that after the conclusion of the rally, the state leadership of the organisation may make a fresh announcement regarding the future course of the movement.