Third wave fears surface as farmers announce more protests

Farmers are going to hold protest marches on May 26. Samyukta Kisan Morcha intends to make these protests a national affair. Large parts of Punjab, Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh are expected to explode in protests in the coming days. Small parts of the rest of India, too, are expected to be affected by protests against the agri reforms.

In Haryana’s Hisar, on Monday, farmers reportedly gathered in large numbers under the leadership of BKU leader Rakesh Tikait.

The May 26th nation-wide protests have received vocal support from 12 parties. From the Congress to the Shiv Sena, from the TMC to the DMK, from the SP to the CPM, parties from across the country have lent their support.

The announcement has sparked fears of a third wave. There are reports that the second wave in North India was sparked by farmer protests in parts of North India. A particular strain, which originated in the UK, is believed to have spread in India from protest sites.

Several voices have spoken against the protests. “Protests by Farmers during this calamity are just as irresponsible as Kumbh Mela or election rallies were. Opposition parties backing them playing with lives. Anything that encourages mass gatherings at this time is an affront to health workers and those who have lost loved ones,” said Barkha Dutt, the senior journalist. “Farmers protests must stop. It’s wrong. It’s unethical, irresponsible and anti-social in the current pandemic rage,” wrote Sanjay Jha, a Congressman.