FARMER UNIONS OBSERVE ‘BLACK DAY’ TO MARK SIX MONTHS OF PROTESTS

Farmers from various states observed a “Black Day” on Wednesday, to mark six months of their protests against the three agriculture laws passed by the Centre. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which has 40 farmers’ outfits under its umbrella, had given a call for a nationwide strike.

During the protest, farmers raised black flags and shouted slogans reiterating their unity and commitment to get these three laws scrapped which they term as “anti-farmer”. In addition to various cities in Punjab and Haryana, the farmers’ strong resolve was also at display at the Delhi border where hundreds of farmers are camping from November 26 last year. Effigies of many national leaders, including PM Modi, were also burnt during Wednesday’s protests.

Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Gurnam Singh Chaduni said, “We are celebrating the day to oppose PM Narendra Modi. Today is the day to show your opposition for yourself and your family. Raise black flags on your rooftop and vehicles, and burn effigies of the Prime Minister. This is a fight for our economic independence.”  As part of their “Black Day” protests, the farmers put up black flags and burnt effigies of government leaders at the three border points–Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri–to register their protest against the three laws as well as the Centre.

Several Opposition leaders gave support to the “Black Day’ last week. In a letter, leaders of 12 parties, including main Opposition party Congress, reiterated their demand for the repeal of the three laws and asked the government to resume talks with the farmer unions.