Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest in Punjab, initially focused on securing legal assurances for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, a faction of purported protesters has escalated their demand for an independent Punjab, known as Khalistan. Adding fuel to the controversy, a video featuring a girl hurling abuses at farmers and their agitation went viral on Friday.
Over the past week, multiple viral videos have surfaced, showcasing an alleged farmer expressing strong sentiments against coexisting with Indians, stirring controversy. Amidst these developments, individuals posing as farmers have reportedly subjected a female journalist to abuse, made derogatory remarks, and captured a male journalist, attempting to assault him with a sword for posing valid questions.
A widely circulated video captures a farmer passionately urging the international community to intervene, citing perceived injustices and sacrifices made by Punjabis, particularly in the context of the recent agitation. Meanwhile, several videos on social media depict farmers engaging in questionable activities, such as distributing liquor and participating in other illegal actions, raising concerns.
“We appeal to the international community to intervene. We don’t want to live with these people (Indians). They carry out unjust acts with us. 90% of the sacrifice has been done by Punjabis. Who is ruling us, those who are traitors of this country?” the alleged farmer can be heard saying in the video.
On the governmental front, discussions with farmer leaders are actively ongoing to address the persisting protests. The third round of talks between the government and farmer representatives is scheduled for the evening of February 15 in Chandigarh, with hopes that a resolution to the issues will emerge through these dialogues.
The protests, characterized by farmers expressing diverse demands while marching from Punjab to Delhi, have triggered questions and debates. Skeptics have raised concerns about whether it is genuinely a farmer protest or if other factors are at play. Doubts have been fuelled by the involvement of security forces, the sealing of Delhi borders, and clashes in certain areas. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to engaging in discussions with farmer leaders to address their concerns and find a resolution.
Significant speculation surrounds the funding of the protests, with claims pointing to specific terrorist organizations such as ISIS, or Khalistani groups. Also, involvement of Pakistan in this cannot be ruled out. In contrast, protesting farmers assert that they are solely on the roads for their demands. The prolonged presence of farmers, despite promises from the agriculture minister, and the accessibility of resources like liquor has prompted ongoing inquiries into who might be funding the protests.
Over the past three days, farmers stationed at the Punjab-Haryana border, affiliated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union Siddhupur and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, have aimed to draw attention to the issues related to the farmers’ protest or engage in politics. A viral video featuring Jagjeet Singh Dallewal, the head of the Bharatiya Kisan Union Siddhupur, suggests a motive to bring down Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political standing after the construction of the Ram Mandir, noting a significant increase in his popularity. Questions have arisen about the entire farmer agitation, considering that in 2020, 34 farmer organizations in Punjab opposed the three agricultural laws, whereas the current agitation involves only two farmer organizations.