The Central government temporarily cut off internet services in Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders as well as the adjoining areas of the national capital, 38 cases have been filed and 84 arrested even as the agitating farmers went on a day-long fast. The disturbing Red Fort scenes on Republic Day may have smeared an otherwise rock-solid campaign. The question that needs to be debated is whether a handiwork of a few whose intentions remain suspect can be a fair representation of all protesters who all along have practised extreme civic discipline and followed Gandhian principles?
While the nation ponders over the ugly side of the R-day march, the Centre is looking at it entirely through the prism of nationalism, while little thought is given to the tragic turn that democracy is taking where an autocratic rule is forcing its way against democratic faith. It would be unfair to use that round of violence and bring down an agitation built with sacrifices and pain across months. We can’t discount the adversities and perils of life endured by people on the roads for over two months. The Republic Day violence, without a fair investigation, cannot be used summarily to demonize farmers and bring them down in one stroke.
The very fact that the agitation is gaining momentum with support coming in from western Uttar Pradesh region highlights that it’s not over yet. The question is over the course it will take from here. Will the government machinery swing into action using the premise of R-Day violence and target prominent farmer leaders, just the way it has done in other cases to diffuse crises?
The recent demand from farmers that those arrested to be released immediately before sitting down for any talks must be considered because to a fair measure there has to be a level playing field. Farmers cannot be held to ransom at this stage, moreover for acts which cannot be directly attributed to them. They have gone through an intense struggle showing remarkable signs of perseverance and grit, and all along the contours of their demands were well defined. Battled and bruised, and despite the casualties on the ground, the farmers faced their struggle with a singular mind. There was not an iota of doubt that all of them wanted the contentious farm laws repealed.
Given the complexity of the ground situation, there appears to be a bigger challenge for Modi, more than he could have imagined, and somewhere there has to be a resolution. The Centre must deviate from its dictatorship path and shed all corporate leanings. If these laws are in the interest of the farmers, let them be part of the decision-making process. The Centre must show tact and candour in dealing with reforms that have a direct bearing on the vast agricultural sector of the country. The farmer cannot be seen as an enemy of the State and be kept out of such sweeping agricultural reform.
While the road ahead appears hazy, the agitation will go down in the history and remembered for the solidarity and unity of ordinary citizens.
