STATE TIMES NEWS New Delhi/ Chandigarh: Singing, dancing and cheering atop their tractor-trolleys, farmers on Saturday began their journey home from Delhi borders after dismantling their tents and other structures at the end of a year-long sit-in against the agri laws and were accorded a rousing welcome with sweets and garlands in the neighbouring states. Emotions ran high as the farmers performed ‘ardas’ (prayers) and ‘havans’ to thank the almighty and set off towards Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in convoys of tractors, bedecked with colourful flowers and lights and blaring songs of victory. By 4 PM, less than a quarter of the protesters were left at the Singhu border. Similarly, at the Ghazipur border, the process of dismantling shelters was in full swing, but the protesting farmers said the site will be completely vacated by December 15. Their furrowed faces now lit with smiles, the protesters said they can finally unite with their families “My children are very excited. We will finally get to meet each other after a year… I am very very happy. Over the phone they would always say ”Papa, ghar kab aaoge?” (Papa, when will you come home?),” 40-year-old Bhupender Singh said “But the fact that I am heading home after victory is something I am particularly proud about,” said Singh, while on his way back to his home in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district on a tractor-trolley with other villagers who were on a sit-in at Ghazipur border. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to praise the farmers for their effort. “There is no substitute for patience, courage and unity. Only by mutual brotherhood and unity, the country can move forward. This unity of farmer brothers was their biggest strength. My salute to the strong will and vitality of the farmer brothers who are returning home from today with a historic victory,” he said. Many locals including shopkeepers who suffered due to the blocking of roads were also feeling a sense of relief.
