March 2, 2021
The white hatchback slowed down as it approached the toll plaza. At the wheels was a middle-aged Sikh man and in the passenger seat an old woman with flowing grey hair. Seated behind were three more women, one middle-aged and the other two much younger, who looked barely out of their teens.
Toll plazas in Punjab sites of permanent sit-ins by farmers protesting against the new farm laws have been closed for months, free for vehicles to pass through without paying any fee.
Yet, the man stopped and gestured at the protesting farmers camping on one side of the highway, trying to catch their attention. One of them came over to the passenger seat window. The old woman thrust a 500 rupees ($6.84) note in his hands and caressed his head affectionately. Barely any words were exchanged. The car zoomed past soon after.
Punjab ground report: Six months on, farm protest remains strong – and united. Where is it headed?
Anger over Modi government’s farm laws is rooted in a deeper disquiet that cuts across community lines. Left unresolved, it could take a dark turn. Feb 25, 2021 · 09:00 am Farmers and agricultural workers arrive to attend a rally against farm laws, in Barnala, Punjab, onFebruary 21. | Reuters/Danish Siddiqui
The white hatchback slowed down as it approached the toll plaza. At the wheels was a middle-aged Sikh man and in the passenger seat an old woman with flowing grey hair. Seated behind were three more women, one middle aged and the other two much younger, who looked barely out of their teens.