Martyrs' day observed in Moga; farm labour protest held in Sangrur

By Harsh Thakor*

The Lok Sangram Morcha observed Martyrs’ Day in Moga, Punjab, on July 27. The event, held at Independence Welfare Bhavan, was conducted by Balwant Makhu, Sarban Singh, Gurdeep Vairoke, and press in-charge Paramjit Jaree.

Tributes were paid to figures including Avtar Singh Dhudke, Prithipal Singh Randhawa, Lal Inder Singh Lali, Baba Bhuja Singh, Kanhai Chatterjee, Charu Mazumdar, Basavaraju, and Udham Singh—representing a range of historical figures including political activists, student leaders, and freedom fighters.

The programme began with an opening by Darshan Turi, followed by a two-minute silence. Slogans were raised by Paramjit Jaree, and a song was performed by Ajmer Akaliya.

Participants included members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari), Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, and Krantikari E-Rickshaw Union.

Speakers highlighted various social issues including the displacement of Adivasis, state repression, and concerns regarding corporate acquisition of natural resources. They called for unity among democratic organisations. Speakers included Lakhveer Singh of Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, Rajesh Malhotra, Sukhmander Singh, and BKU (Krantikari) leaders Baldev Jari and Gurdeep Vairoke.

Tara Singh Moga concluded the programme by thanking attendees and organisations, reiterating their commitment to the legacy of the individuals commemorated.

Protest in Sangrur Against Detentions and Land Policy

Separately, on July 25, a protest was held in Sangrur by farm labourers and union members following what they described as an informal ban on public demonstrations. The event took place at the Anaj Mandi in Sangrur and was organised by groups including the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee (ZPSC), Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, and Pendu Mazdoor Union.

According to protest organisers, 16 union leaders arrested in May remained in custody. Lachhman Singh Sewewala, general secretary of the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, stated that demonstrators had previously been detained preemptively to prevent protests. He added that the July 25 rally marked a significant mobilisation despite these restrictions.

The background to the protest lies in a May 20 demonstration over a disputed 100-acre parcel of land in Bhamanwali village, formerly under the Jind princely state. Protesters demanded that the unused land be distributed to landless Dalit families and farm labourers under land reform policies. As protests escalated, several activists were detained, with 16 reportedly still incarcerated.

The rally began with a two-minute silence in memory of Jagtar Singh Tolewal, a senior ZPSC leader who recently passed away. Speakers criticised what they referred to as increasing state use of police powers to suppress protests.

“The state is misusing law enforcement mechanisms to curb democratic expression,” said Mukesh Maloud, president of ZPSC. Other speakers included Joginder Ugrahan (BKU-Ugrahan), Nirbhay Singh Dhudike (Kirti Kisan Union), Bhupinder Singh Longowal (Kirti Kisan Union), and Gurbinder Singh.

Demands included the repeal of the land pooling policy, implementation of the Land Ceiling Act, and redistribution of surplus land to the landless. Protesters also condemned alleged arbitrary arrests and demolition drives targeting marginalised communities.

Additional speakers at the rally included Kulwant Singh Kishangarh (BKU-Ekta Dakaunda), Tarsem Peter (Pendu Mazdoor Union), Kulwinder Waraich (IFTU), Vikram Dev (Democratic Teachers’ Front), and representatives of Krantikari Kisan Union, Naujawan Bharat Sabha, and Istri Jagriti Manch.

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*Freelance journalist

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