NRIs make last-minute efforts to mobilise public for tractor march

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 24

The non-resident Indians (NRIs) from numerous villages made last-minute efforts to mobilise public for participating in the scheduled tractor parade to be held in Delhi on the Republic Day.

Farmers from rural areas reported that announcements were being made from gurdwaras on the behalf of NRIs who were offering free transportation for people.

“Kulwinder Singh (NRI) from our village has offered a bus to those who want to go to Delhi. This will help people, especially women, who want to join the protest as travelling on the bus is comparatively comfortable than in a trailer,” said Mandeep Singh, a resident of Cheema village. He said a bus from their village had left for Delhi on Sunday.

Similar announcements were being made in other villages as well. The NRIs have been calling their contacts to join the protest and offering them financial support.

Inderbir Singh, who has been living in the US from the last 15 years, said, “I received a request from my friends who stay in Chabal area. I cannot join the protest physically, but I am doing my bit to contribute towards the cause.”

Residents, including those not associated with the agriculture sector were heading for Delhi. “We will leave on Monday evening as Tuesday is a holiday. We will return before Wednesday morning and join office,” said Karan, a bank employee, who has prepared to leave with his four colleagues.

As youths were going in large numbers, elders seem a bit worried. “What if something bad happens? Youth should follow the advice of elderly leaders as they have experience. People fear that if something goes wrong, the hard-earned peace will be lost,” said Balkaran Singh, a senior citizen.