A hunger strike has been launched by five landless dalit activists in the dharna of the Zameen Prapt Sangharsh Commitee, started on December 19th.Inspite of the bitter cold the protestors have intensified at the District collector office, the tempo of the agitation on the third day, at a boiling point. Two women participants fell ill due to the weather. It follows intense sprit of agitation on two preceding day’s. The activist resolved that it would hold the government responsible if any activists succumbed or any combat developed.
Speakers Gurvinder Singh, Bikkar Singh Hathua, and Paramjit Kaur Longowal narrated how in village Shahdira, for 2 years, resistance has prolonged, in which even small children have lost their lives. This has prevented problems from being brought to the fore. Inspite of continuous propaganda there has hardly been any effect in resolving the demands and the situation looks like deteriorating. Twice protest was mercilessly crushed.The spoke about how in village Dehlaka Nazul Society is permitting even non -members to till the land, which is allotted to the dalit community. In Village Dhodenab and Raidharna no cultivation is taking place.
This is an ideal illustration of how in real fact the Nuzul land promised is manipulated by upper castes, and their violating of the law is patronised by he administration.
Prominent activists attendening were Makhan Singh ,Raju Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Kulbir Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Sukhwinder Mangawal,Seve Khendebad.,Sukhwinder,Raju.
Harsh Thakor is a freelance writer who has covered mass movements around India and frequently toured Punjab
