‘Our aim, repeal of farm laws’: Punjabi actors Dev Kharoud and Binnu Dhillon participate in ‘Chakka jam’

The nationwide ‘chakka jam’ against the three agricultural bills witnessed the support of Punjabi actors, singers, doctors, and teachers. The three-hour jam saw road blocks at various points in the district on Saturday.

Punjabi singer Pammi Bai

Farmers held protests at 24 places, including Shambu barrier, in the district. Notably, the transgender community also participated in the protests. Punjabi actors, Dev Kharoud, Binnu Dhillon, and singer Pammi Bai protested near Urban Estate on Patiala-Chandigarh Highway while teachers and doctors blocked the roads near Passiana village.

While addressing youngsters, Punjabi actor Dev Kharoud said: “Today, I am an actor, but my entire family is into farming. I want to tell the youths, not to fall prey to the divisive tactics of the vested interests on minor issues. Don't get distracted from our ultimate aim—repeal of farm laws.”

Attacking the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjabi singer Pammi Bai, said: “Until now, the PM has been silent on our 175 farmers, who lost their lives in the agitation. This—insensitivity of the PM—is very shameful for the country.”

Appealing to the youngsters, he said: “Farmer’s agitation is a peaceful protest, therefore, they shouldn't indulge in any violence at all.

Reacting to tweets by Bollywood and American singer Rihanna’s post, Punjabi actor Binu Dhillon, said: “They should have some conscience. It appears Bollywood stars were pressurised by someone to tweet.”

Meanwhile, the government doctors—under the banner name "Doctors for Farmers"—also participated in the protest.

Dr Diwan Bhullar, who was at Passiana, said: “Ongoing farmers’ agitation has now become the people’s movement. All right-thinking citizens are now on warpath, to oppose the three draconian agri laws.”

Government school teachers—under Democratic Teachers Front—took part in the protests at various parts of the district.

Vikram Dev, state president, DMF, said: “Government school teachers in Punjab have been protesting all along against the three Agri bills. Despite the incident of violence on Republic Day, the farmers' protest is getting bigger by the day.”