Will keep shops shut in solidarity with farmers, say Doraha traders

Our Correspondent

Doraha, September 24

The town will observe the Bharat bandh tomorrow as per the decision taken by all local shopkeepers.

It has been decided that they will lend support to the farming community which is out on roads for past some days to protest against the three farm Bills of the Central Government. President of the Shopkeepers’ Association of Doraha Bobby Tiwari said all shopkeepers gathered here today to decide that no shop would be opened on Friday as a mark of protest against the arbitrary decision of the Central Government and to show solidarity towards farmers who were being victimised by the government for attainment of their petty gains.

“We will keep the whole market closed tomorrow as we have to stand steadfastly by sons of the soil who toil hard to feed us amid adverse weather conditions and unpleasant situations. The farmers are already facing innumerable problems on account of the hike in diesel prices, lack of resources, inclement weather, not getting adequate return of their produce, etc. Economic insecurity and penury have forced many of them to end their lives, leaving their dependents in the lurch. At this time, it was the duty of the government to lend a helping hand to the farmers by providing them additional facilities and relaxations. On the contrary, the government has brought in the three farm ordinances without taking into confidence the community which is in all ways going to be adversely affected by them and will not be able to rise again from its economic crisis,” he said.

“When each and every person, from a farmer to an arhtiya, labourer, shopkeeper and even a common man, is going to be affected by the farm Bills, why should we sit back and just be mute spectators? Then when the government is so unconcerned and bent upon bringing in the farm Bills, it is our constitutional and democratic duty to revolt,” Tiwari said.