‘Free fuel sewa’ for maximum turnout

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 24

As all roads lead to Delhi, a farmer union leader is heard assuring a participant over the phone: “Tusi bas tractor lai ke jana hai, tel da kharcha asi davange (You only have to bring your tractor, fuel is on us).”

Amid a massive mobilisation campaign to ensure maximum number of tractors reach the national capital for the Republic Day march, villages and unions across Doaba are providing “free petrol/diesel sewa” to hundreds of vehicles.

On highways, long caravans of tractor-trailers and even JCBs can be seen leaving for the Singhu and Tikri borders to join the tractor march.

To ensure no one willing to join the protest is left out, free fuel is being offered to them. A number of villages have set up kiosks at petrol stations offering free refill for vehicles. NRIs are also chipping in with the service. The BKU (Rajewal), which has mobilised thousands of tractors, is not only providing free fuel to farmers but also sending mechanics along the cavalcades to ensure emergency repairs. The Doaba Kisan Union, too, is offering fuel and repair services at the Delhi border.

Amarjot Singh, Jalandhar youth wing president, BKU (Rajewal), says: “We have told farmers they needn’t worry about fuel expenses. Our representative is accompanying each cavalcade to ensure free fuel. Mechanics, too, are on board in case of a breakdown. At least 100 tractors were sent out yesterday. More will follow today and tomorrow.”

Kuldip Singh, president, Doaba Kisan Union, says: “Over 1,000 tractors headed out from SBS Nagar yesterday, mobilised by our union. A committee at the Tikri border is there to ensure free fuel and repairs are provided to anyone in need. Every farm union at the border has their own mechanics and refuelling arrangements.”

For the past one week, Dyalpur village has sent out messages to villagers assuring the panchayat will organise free refuel for those in need. Sarpanch Harjinder Singh says: “We will provide petrol/diesel refill today to those who have contacted us. Situated right by the highway, the village is also providing ‘tea langar’ to the participants heading to the Delhi border.”