A former Food Corporation of India (FCI) official who raised slogans in support of farmers protesting against the three central farm laws that have now been repealed, a man who offered them langar, another who kept their morale high with his wit and humor, and lawyers who provided free legal aid are among those who have been awarded 'kisan medals.'
Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, district president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKUKarnal )'s unit, stated that they had already awarded kisan medals to 800 people in Karnal "while expressing our gratitude to them." The medals are emblazoned with a tractor and the slogan "we support our farmers."
Radhy Sham Pasricha is among those honored. The 71-year-old, who resigned from the FCI, was renowned for raising slogans in support of farmers at the Bastra toll plaza (Karnal), where they were sitting on a dharna in protest of farm laws.
Pasricha is overjoyed with the honor he received at a function held at Karnal's Jat Dharamshala. "With the exception of 15 days, I attended the protest at the Bastara toll plaza every day of the year-long struggle. As a former FCI officer, I was well aware that farm rules were not in the best interests of farmers. Instead of waiting a year, they should have been repealed earlier. But I am happy that I remained a part of this historical movement,” said Pasricha.
Dharambir, a member of the Dhanak community, is also among those honored. During the agitation, he provided langar to farmers at the Bastara toll plaza as they travelled to Delhi and returned home along the Delhi-Ambala national highway. "I volunteered there for a year and 17 days. It was my responsibility to assist them in whatever way I could, as numerous others were martyred during the unrest. "I am also a farmer with two acres of land," Dharambir, 58, of Karnal's Raipur Jatan village, added.
Samay Singh Sandhu, 72, of Karnal's Gagsina village, was recognized for keeping the morale of the farmers high with wit and humor. Rameshwar Ror, 82, who is visually impaired but was always present at the Bastara toll plaza during the agitation, was also honored. Anju Gagsina's role in mobilizing the women during the agitation was remembered.
Farmer leaders have formally expressed their gratitude to the Karnal Bar Association for providing free legal aid during the agitation.
"A lawyer Manish Lathar questioned the police lathi charge on farmers," Jagdeep Singh Aulakh remarked. On August 28, last year, when farmers were protesting Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's visit to Karnal, he, too, became a victim of the lathis. Several farmers had suffered significant injuries. Ravinder Saroha, a dalit, had received 25 stitches on his head following injuries during the police lathi charge. Now, we have honored them for their sacrifice and courage.”
Days after the lathicharge at the Bastara toll plaza, farmers gheraoed the Karnal Mini Secretariat, demanding action against then-SDM Ayush Sinha, who was captured on camera directing policemen to "break heads" of demonstrators who broke the security cordon.
Meanwhile, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) presented "Kisan Yodha Ratan" certificates to supporters and volunteers during a celebration held in village Chhoti Satrod (Hisar) on Wednesday.
Virodh Diwas:
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) said on Saturday that if the Centre does not react to its demands, it will mark 'Virodh Diwas' on January 31. Yudhvir Singh, BKU leader, remarked at a news conference near the Singhu border, "The Centre has not created a committee on MSP or addressed us about it as of yet. The MoS whose son is engaged in the Lakhimpur Kheri affair has not been dismissed by the government."
