Five months, 400 farmers killed; Why haven't we kept a count
India is literally counting deaths now. Political leaders who having failed to provide hospital beds and oxygen to the Covid-19 patients are simply making provisions for the disposal of the dead bodies. They have not only increased the number of crematoriums but also assured that their number would be increased further. Politicians seem to be more adept at cremating dead bodies than protecting their lives. Their message seems to be that “Be prepared to die, we will make preparations to light your pyres.” Even the media is busy counting the deaths instead of boldly exposing the failure of the Centre and the state governments.
At the same time, India also witnessing saga of deaths. Agitating farmers at the Delhi border are dying but not of Covid-19. In the past five months, about 400 farmers have died while fighting for their demands. The Government is responsible for these deaths just as it is responsible for death of Covid patients. Amidst the pandemic we are realizing the consequences of not strengthening our public health system. In 2017, more than 150 children died due to lack of oxygen in Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. Dr Kafeel Khan then took the initiative to procure oxygen from private organizations and saved the lives of hundreds of children. In the process he also exposed exposed the weakness of the public health system in the state. He was imprisoned for this. Although he was responsible for saving the lives of many the children, he was accused of negligence. Now, oxygen deficiency is causing the deaths of lakhs of Covid patients. And those who ignored Dr Kafeel Khan’s early warning branded him as a ‘terrorist’, and imprisoned him are responsible for these deaths too.
The agriculture sector is as significant as the health sector. If private corporations take over agriculture from farmers, the consequences will be disastrous on India’s food security. Farmers have hit the streets protesting against the anti-farmer policies of the government. Despite the anxiety created by the pandemic, farmers have not withdrawn their agitation and have also clarified that they would not do so. The government has neglected their demand.
The day is not too far when the government will pay a heavy price for this neglect. The government, in the meantime, is trying to build an anti-farmer narrative through the media holding the agitating farmers responsible for spreading the Coronavirus by not wearing masks. The same government turned a total blind eye towards the Kumbhamela and election rallies which had the potential to spread the virus. If government’s concern regarding the farmers’ agitation as potential site of spreading the Coronavirus, the government should heed the demands of the farmers so that they will end their agitation. The farmers need to return to their native as they have enough and more work waiting for them.
Farmers have been striving hard for several years to make India self-sufficient in food grains and for the betterment of people’s lives. The government should not forget this. When the country was facing drought a few years ago the government launched ‘grow more food’ program. The farmers made this program a success. The government should be grateful to farmers and accept their demand for the withdrawal of the controversial farm laws that they fear will have disastrous consequences on Indian agriculture. But, it appears that the Centre has decided to use its might to end the farmers agitation.
Today, we are experiencing the effects of corporatization of the health sector. Big industrialists in the health sector are contemplating how much money can be made during the current pandemic. Middle-men are deciding the price of vaccine, oxygen, and hospital beds. If the government had encouraged public hospitals, we would not have faced such a situation. In the coming days, the effects of complete corporatization of the agriculture sector will be borne not only by farmers but also by everyone.. Meeting farmers’ demands would be similar to strengthening the country’s future..
The 150-day old farmers’ agitation that has not only withstood rain, scorching sun, and cold but also a pandemic such as the Coronavirus has also attracted the attention of the world. Because of the failure in handling the Coronavirus, India has to hang its head in shame before the international community. The government should at least now wake up to the farmers’ agitation. If farmers are to be forcefully vacated, it would lead to a greater tragedy.
The country owes a debt to farmers who toil hard to feed its teeming millions even under most adverse situations. It is true that the Indian agriculture sector needs reforms but the changes must be decided by farmers.. Withdrawal of the anti-farmer laws is the minimum that the government should do. That will be like the much-needed oxygen for agitating farmers.
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Stoinis hundred trumps Gaikwad's ton, helps LSG beat hand CSK by six wickets
Chennai, Apr 23: Marcus Stoinis smashed an outstanding century to trump Ruturaj Gaikwad's effort as Lucknow Super Giants beat Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in an IPL match on Tuesday.
Stoinis remained unbeaten 124 off 63 balls with 13 fours and six sixes as LSG completed a record run chase at the Chepauk in 19.3 overs. This was also highest individual score in IPL in a run-chase.
Earlier, skipper Gaikwad led from the front with a superb 60-ball unbeaten 108 as Chennai Super Kings posted a challenging 210 for 4 . Gaikwad's knock, his second IPL hundred, was studded with 12 fours and three sixes. Shivam Dube muscled his way to a 27-ball-66, hitting seven sixes. For LSG, Matt Henry took for 1 for 28.
Brief Scores:
CSK 210 for 4 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 108 not out, Shivam Dube 66, Matt Henry 1/28)
LSG 213/4 (Marcus Stoinis 124 not out).
