Farm laws in India were finally abolished by the government in 2021, after a year of refusal and demands from farmers in Punjab.
Protests and solidarity rallies were held throughout the world in support of the Kisaan (farmers) during that time. 'Kisaan rallies' were held outside Indian consulates in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Protesters arrived in tractors, trucks, lorries, and cars, playing Punjabi music, waving yellow and orange flags, and lighting off smoke flares while holding posters and banners.
Photography source: Instagram @area.sarj
Captured at Birmingham Kisaan Rally
A couple from Great Barr, Birmingham, Bali Johal and Dalabar Singh, reflect on their experiences at the West Bromwich 2020 rally and what it meant to them.
"Our Kisaan should not have had to suffer." They sustained our villages and families in Punjab for several generations. We conquered for justice, and even though we're halfway across the world, we will never forget our roots or the soil our parents and ancestors descended from." said Bali.
"This was a moment in history we will never forget. Agriculture forms the backbone of India, farmers would feed the nation but struggle to fend for themselves.
We supported this battle till finally the farm laws were repealed. Despite these peaceful protests, we had to be mindful of the local authorities taking away from what it meant to us."She added.
The West Bromwich demonstration began at Guru Har Rai Gurdwara Sahib and continued through the streets to the Consulate General of India in the Jewellery Quarter.
West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance monitored the area for safety reasons and issued public traffic congestion advisories.
Bali's husband, Dalabar, shared his thoughts and experience at that time.
"It was a perfect time for our community to come together and freely express ourselves through the younger generation to the old. Unfortunately the same can't be said everywhere, it was so upsetting to hear about the force and violence at the protests in Delhi from police.
Not enough people were informed about this or even had any knowledge at all. Social media connected us together and evoked more emotion, but the news did not seem to have enough coverage for it to be known.
The demonstration was filled with emotion and vigour when we arrived. We joined in the chanting and singing, and we listened to compelling speeches delivered in the streets.
Many people would gather to watch and participate in the movement. But we must continue to stay strong in the future, who knows what is to come next." Dalabar commented.
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