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Journalism of Courage
HAVING WADED into the farm laws row on behalf of the farmers at a time when he still was the Meghalaya Governor, Satya Pal Malik seems to be generating some support in parts of Haryana and Punjab over his recent statements on the Pulwama terror attack. Malik has claimed that after the February 14, 2019, terrorist attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, he, as the Governor of J&K at the time, had flagged certain lapses to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and was asked to stay silent.
A section of farmers in Punjab and Haryana, who have been intermittently agitating over various issues, have hailed Malik for coming forward to speak on an issue that the Modi government has been keen to put behind. Congress leaders’ statements raising questions on the matter have always drawn sharp reactions from the government side.
Now, a couple of khaps from Haryana are mobilising support for an event to be organised in Delhi on Saturday, to express solidarity with Malik. There is also a suggestion that Malik needs their support as he is vulnerable after taking on the powers-that-be. Some khaps have sought a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the matter, and enhancement in Malik’s security cover.
Senior Punjab farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal — who formed the political outfit Sanyukt Samaj Morcha to contest the 2022 Assembly polls in the state — tweeted recently: “Satya Pal Malik bravely exposed Pulwama. Farmers are his shield. He must carry on. All farmers’ organisations are with him.”
Sanyukt Samaj Morcha spokesperson Arashdeep Singh also tweeted: “@Satyapalmalik_ ji former Governor of J&K, showed immense courage in exposing the truth behind the Pulwama attack. Farmers have been his shield and support. He must continue his efforts. @ssm_punjab stands with him.”
A farmer leader from Haryana’s Jind, Azad Singh Palwa, said: “Satya Pal Malik spoke for us during the farmers’ agitation. Now, it’s payback time for farmers. We will participate in the Delhi event on Saturday.”
In April 2021 — when the stir against three farm laws was at its peak — Malik, the Meghalaya Governor at the time, had sided with the agitating farmers. In a letter to an Independent MLA from Haryana, Sombir Sangwan, over the agitation, Malik had stated: “I have tried to tell Hon’ble PM and Home Minister ji that they are on the wrong path, and don’t try to supress, scare and pressurise farmers”.
In March 22, after the farm laws were repealed, the khaps had honoured Malik at a function in Kandela village of Jind.
Punjabi singer Shubdeep Singh aka Sidhu Moosewala’s song “SYL”—which was recorded before his killing in May 2022 and released only recently — also made a mention of Malik, referring to his statement hinting at drastic consequences if the contentious farm laws were not revoked.
