After today’s meeting, the farmers have rejected the proposal made by the GOI, terming it vague. Protesting farmers have unanimously rejected the government’s written offer of amendments in the farm laws, and announced a series of plans to escalate their protest. The plans involve closure of the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, boycott of Reliance malls and capture of toll plazas. By December 14, the farmers said, there will be a full-scale protest across the country. The decision was taken at a meeting after the Centre sent a written proposal laying out a series of amendments, an idea turned down by farmers who demand scrapping of the laws.

The farmers’ protest in India is gaining widespread support from people around the world. As part of the protest, the farmers had called for a Bharat Bandh movement on December 8 which was active from 11 am to 3 pm. All the national highways and local streets remained closed along with the dairy and transport services.

Talking about the support the protesting farmers are receiving from people all across the nation belonging to various sectors and age groups is quite overwhelming. One such incident was reported early Tuesday morning when the local residents of the Phulan village, Haryana came together in support of the protesting farmers and collected milk from various households to be sent off to the farmers at the site of protest – Kundli border. They all echoed the slogan “Ab ki baar, kisan aur mazdoor” as they collected milk.

As for the transportation facilities provided to the farmers to support them in this movement are concerned, Galaxy Brar, a farmer from Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan had developed a collection of funds, with the help of donations received from some leaders from BJP, landlords, and several NRIs, who would like to support the farmers. These funds are mainly being utilized to fuel the tractors of farmers who cannot afford to get diesel. So far, more than 40 tractors have been filled with fuel with the help of this money, with a spending limit of Rs. 4,000 per vehicle.

Several other farmers and Kinnow growers from Sri Ganganagar district are sending off free food for the farmers at protest sites. Other peasants and farmers are sending quintals of carrots and other vegetables for them.

A private petrol pump owner in Bathinda is reportedly offering free fuel to the farmer’s vehicles for 4 days who are traveling to Delhi. Several mechanics are also known to be travelling to the protest sites in Delhi such as at the Tikri and Singhu borders to repair the tractors and other vehicles of farmers.

The ‘feeders of India’ have got international support too. The Tut-brothers from California have managed to send more than 20 quintals of almonds to the protesting farmers. The brothers – Surjit Singh Tut, Pritam Singh Tut, Ranjit Singh Tut, and Amarjit Singh Tut, belong to the Paragpur village in Jalandhar and believe in supporting their fellow brothers in their fight against the unfair Farm laws, which have major loopholes, passed by the government.

A free langar of sweetened rice ‘Zarda’ had also been organized by the Muslim Federation of Punjab for the protesting farmers.  The president of the Muslim Federation, Advocate Mubeen Farooqi said, “We braved water cannons, tear gas shells to reach the spot. However, on day 1, when there was total chaos, our friends from Sonipat had sent us fruits which were distributed among people as langar cooking was not possible from day 1. Now we are making Zarda (mithe chawal) and this langar is being liked by all. Rather people from outside slums who are not even part of dharna also come to eat. Langar is for everyone. So far over 40 quintals of rice have been used.”

Industrialists from Ludhiana have sent free medicines at least twice during the course of the farmers’ protest in Delhi.

All these incidents point towards the unity and widespread support all the farmers of India are receiving. A committee member of All India Kisan Sangrash Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), Jagmohan Singh Patiala, talked about how everyone has come together against the unfair farm laws to protect themselves and the legacy of farmers. While most of the farmers and male members have been busy with the protests, women are managing the farming business back in their hometowns. “Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, we all were part of Punjab earlier. So, we have a close affinity with each other. Everyone has forgotten their old differences. Farm laws are a death warrant for us. So, we all are here, together as Kisan community and not from any particular state or any particular religion”, JS Patiala further added.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president, Joginder Singh Ugrahan thanked everyone for their support especially the residents of Haryana who have come out of their way to support them. He added, “The kisan andolan has now become the whole country’s andolan. Farmers from all states are now part of this movement which is for the rights of farmers.”