Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, February 20

The refusal of the Centre to repeal farm laws and violence in New Delhi have failed to dampen the spirit of Mahinder Singh (65), who has been designated as a Sangharshi Yodha by the Punjab Government as he remained in various jails during the Emergency.

Mahinder Singh has been attending the protest at the Tikri border since its start and convincing all against violence.

Was jailed during emergency

Mahinder Singh (65) has been given the title of Sangharshi Yodha by the Punjab Government as he remained in various jails during the Emergency.

“I know that my age does not allow me to sit here in a biting cold. The threat of the pandemic also looms large. But the Centre has compelled me and others to protest. I have remained in various jails in Ambala, Patiala, Nabha and Sangrur for many months during the Emergency in the country for opposing the dictatorial decision of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. I will not leave Tikri until the black laws are repealed,” he said.

When asked whether he sees any difference then and now, he says, “Things have changed a lot as that time, farmers were not united as we are now. After the police arrested me during the Emergency, my family faced many problems to locate me. Though protesters have become powerful these days, the mindset of rulers seems to be same.”

His family owns three acres in Ealwal village and he has two sons and both are married. He also accused the Punjab Government of not giving the complete debt relief to farmers after winning the elections.

“In my life I have never supported violence. We have right to protest here peacefully. We will win this battle too. Since the start of the agitation, I, along with other elders, have been trying to convince youngsters to maintain peace because the government will definitely try to provoke us to weaken our agitation,” he said. He has been staying near pole number 36 at the Tikri border along with residents of Khurana, Khurani and Kalaudi villages.

“We have lost many youngsters and elders, but the government seems unmoved. We must prepare for a long but peaceful protest rather than waiting for a call from the government,” he said.