The farmer is a symbol of ‘century’ in opposition to agricultural laws

After completing 100 days of ‘Not Out Century’ protests along the Ghazipur border, farmers said they are ready for a double century (200 days) if the government ignores their demand to repeal farm laws.

“Many news channels are regularly reporting thin crowds at the borders, but I would like to clarify that while the crowds may be thin, the protesters have a higher sentiment. Many protesters have gone back to some domestic work and farm care but that does not mean they are not with us. “There have been thousands of protesters in western UP and Haryana,” said Gopal Jat, a farmer.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, women will be led on all borders on Monday when women protesters will take charge of the stage and the speakers will also be women. A march has been called by women at all the protest sites.

“The protests on Women’s Day will be led by women who have been with men for the last 100 days at the Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur border. Women have contributed equally to the fight against farm laws. We are taking care of everything from langars to cleanliness at the display venues. This fight is for the future of the farmers and the survival of their future generations.

Ms. Singh said that women contribute equally to the farming community, but are not recognized. Now, the time has come for them to show women power to the government.

The protesters said that a major meeting has been called on the Ghazipur border on Monday to discuss the future strategy of the protest. People from various districts of western UP will attend the meeting to be addressed by BKU leader Rakesh Tikait.

Meanwhile farmers in Ghazipur have made air-cooled tractor trolleys using jute pads as the mercury is steadily increasing.

“We have moved elderly people under the flyover to keep them safe during the hot weather. And for the rest of the protesters, we covered the trolley and tents with straw, palm leaves and jute pads to keep it cool. During the day we spray water to keep the air cool.

Mr. Singh said that they will install AC and ceiling fan till next month when the temperature will reach around 40 degree Celsius.

A senior official of the power department said that they have not officially supplied electricity to the protest site, but many protesters illegally pulled wires from electric poles.