Farm union flags come up on residences, shops

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 25

Residents in cities and villages of the region have started putting up farm union flags outside their houses and shops as a mark of support for the farmers’ agitation and the proposed tractor parade on Republic Day.

Rising above party lines, people have joined hands in support of farmers. Green and yellow flags of farm unions can be seen in almost every house. At Multania village in Bathinda, flags, stickers and banners in yellow, green, white and black colours are visible almost everywhere.

Harsewak Singh, former sarpanch of Multania village, said: “Villagers have risen above party lines in support of the farmers’ agitation. This is the issue of our bread and butter, so the entire village is supporting them.”

Jagsir Singh, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) leader, said: “Earlier, when we used to tell people to hold unions’ flags, they would be hesitant, but times have changed now. The same people now want these flags. They like taking photos with the union leaders as if they are celebrities. This is the power of the agitation.”

Will wave black flags, say Jobless teachers

Sangrur: Unemployed members of five unions have announced showing black flags to chief guests in four districts during the Republic Day functions to protest the “failure” of the government in giving them jobs. “Our members will show black flags to chief guests during Republic Day functions in Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa and Bathinda. Thousands of posts of teacher are vacant, but the government is not recruiting youth for all posts,” said Sukhwinder Dhilwan, president, BEd and TET Pass Union. TNS