Farmers outfit’s ‘rural curfew’ receives lukewarm response

Despite support of farmer organisations across the state, ‘rural curfew’ called on Monday by farmer wing of left parties, Akhil Bhartiy Kisan Sabha (ABKS) showed little impact across the state. It was only in few districts of Shekhawati region that the agitation was able to draw some public support. In these areas farmer organisations held demonstrations in several villages while at few locations the Jaipur-Bikaner highway was also obstructed in Sikar.

The Grameen Curfew was invoked to demand loan waiver for farmers and implementation of Swaminathan Commission report. Those leading the protest had asked farmers across the state to keep themselves and their farm produce limited to their villages. A move that was expected to bring the supply of essential commodities to hold across state, however, it was only in Jhunjhunu and Sikar that people gathered in support.

A large number of women were also seen in the demonstration while communist party leaders of state held public meetings at several villages. “It is on the hard labour of farmers that prosperity of the country is build, most people of the country are still dependent on farming and anti farmer government will not be spared,” said Puran Singh Kudi of CPI (M) while addressing a gathering in Sikar.

In Jhunjhunu the animal traders also turned in support of the curfew. They have objections to the restriction on cattle trade on pretext of prevention of animal cruelty. Lead by communist leader Phulchand Babar the animal traders reached collectorate in a rally and held demonstration. Road blocks were also held at several locations of the city and supply of milk and vegetables remain affected.

Congress and other farmer outfits also held sit-in. “There is no political discrimination on issues concerned with farmers, we will support any movement that is in their favour. On July 22 we have called for mobilizing people of urban areas,” said Rampal Jat, state president of ABKS.