NRIs remained misinformed due to suspension of internet, say farmers

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 28

Amid the suspension of the internet services on the Delhi-Haryana borders, farmers from the region, who had participated in the tractor march to the national capital, rued that they were not able to communicate with the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from the state about the actual situation.

From donations to lending support to the agitating farmers from the beginning of the kisan andolan, NRIs have been playing a vital role in the movement. They have also been launching virtual campaigns to strengthen the farmers’ stir. However, post the tractor march, they are either ‘misinformed’ or are being provided half-baked information.

Romi Singh (48), a farmer from Phagwara, said his friends and relatives have been involved in the protest for the past two months now. “While many have already returned, a large section of NRI diaspora is still supporting us through social media. We have lost contact with them in these two days. Farmers back home told us on voice calls that the NRIs were confused about the entire episode. Having received videos and photos of the incident through leading news channels, some NRIs have also condemned the events of the day. They still seem to be divided over the issue,” Romi said.

Having roots in Phagwara, Charanjit Singh, who has been staying in Canada for the last several years, said he couldn’t get the live report of the tractor march. He expressed his sympathy with farmers, who suffered lathicharge and endured tear gas. To prevent any disturbance of peace and public order, the internet suspension was extended in the few district of Haryana late on Wednesday evening.

The order to interrupt the internet services was issued in view of the potential threat to the law and order situation. Only voice calls were made available, said, Manjit Singh, a leader of BKU, Doaba.

Upset, Manjit said the young generation who have moved abroad were supporting the protest and also launching agitation against the contentious farm laws in foreign land. Interestingly, a huge quantity of flags and badges, related to farm unions, have been exported abroad in the last 60 days.