Haryana Farmers Announce Major Tractor March on Republic Day in Jind
In a bold move, influential farming unions and social clans from Haryana have declared a large-scale tractor march scheduled for January 26. This protest aligns with Republic Day celebrations, aiming to pressure the government on long-standing agricultural issues.
Organizers and Purpose of the March
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU-Tikait) and the Naugama Khap are spearheading this event. They plan to use the march as both a political demonstration and a tribute to farmers who lost their lives in previous agrarian movements.
The convoy will travel from Ramrai village to Gulkani village along the Hisar Road. At Gulkani, participants will gather at a memorial dedicated to eight farmers killed in police firing during 2001-02.
Symbolic Gestures and Recruitment Efforts
Farmer leaders have confirmed that two flags will be raised at the memorial site: the Indian national flag and the BKU flag. This act honors the "martyrs" of the farming movement, symbolizing their dual identity as citizens and activists.
To ensure a strong turnout, the BKU will launch a rural recruitment drive starting January 15. Union representatives will visit villages across Jind district to mobilize the farming community and highlight unresolved issues.
Spokesperson Ram Raji Dhull emphasized this effort, stating that the goal is to "awaken" farmers to ongoing challenges.
Leadership and Participation
The event will be chaired by the BKU's Hisar unit. High-ranking officials, including national leader Yudhveer Singh Sehrawat and state president Rattan Mann, are expected to attend.
In a morale-boosting measure, the union will honor participants during the tractor parade, recognizing their commitment to the cause.
Why Jind Was Chosen as the Protest Hub
Jind district holds significant historical weight for this protest. During the 2020-21 protests against central agricultural marketing laws, Jind recorded the highest number of casualties in Haryana.
A union representative noted, "Five years have passed since the movement began, yet our demands remain pending." The march aims to signal to the government that the unity formed during the year-long siege of New Delhi remains strong.
Farmers are prepared to make sacrifices to secure their economic future, underscoring the urgency of their demands.
