We will be back: Farmers’ sit-in protesters reflect on the past year, the repeal and the way forward

In November 2021, Modi announced the repeal of the three controversial 2020 farm laws. For almost a year, thousands of farmers, predominantly from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, had been protesting the laws at sit-ins on Delhi’s borders. After the repeal of the laws, protesters who camped at Delhi’s borders for months against the laws spoke to The Caravan about their journey, the significance of the repeal and what the future holds for them.

“Why did Prime Minister Modi repeal the laws? … Obviously not because of the farmers. Or not because he thought something was wrong with the three bills. So, what transpired between one year? After more than 700 lives were lost. What changed was the [upcoming] UP elections, Punjab elections, Uttarakhand elections, Goa elections,” Swaiman Singh, a protest organiser, said. “And I think that’s why people should be worried.”