Skip to main content

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.
---
*Freelance journalist

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Gharapuri's discoveries: India finds a maritime past, ASI an app

By Gajanan Khergamker  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again demonstrated an extraordinary talent for mistaking administrative housekeeping for institutional achievement. At the very moment excavations at Gharapuri are yielding evidence that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of India's maritime past, the institution has chosen to celebrate the rollout of QR-enabled audio guides and GPS-supported navigation at its monuments. The contrast could not be starker. 
Post a Comment
»

What's behind Columbia's president-elect speaking out against continuing the country’s peace agenda

By Laura Violeta Devia López  There are just over three weeks left before Abelardo De La Espriella takes office as Colombia’s new president, despite the numerous allegations that cast a shadow over his election and, as usual, discredit the Colombian electoral system. The announcements already being made by Abelardo and his designated cabinet mark a significant change of course, not only for the Colombian people but also for the country’s place in the world.
Post a Comment
»

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.
Post a Comment
»