What is “Pagri Sambhal Movement”?

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Farmers Union protesting against the three farm laws are celebrating February 23 as ‘Pagri Sambhal Diwas’ to remember the Pagri Sambhal Movement.

About Pagri Sambhal Movement:

• The Pagri Sambhal movement was a successful farm agitation against British government. It forced the British government to repeal three laws related to agriculture back in 1907.
  • The three farm-related were the Punjab Land Alienation Act 1900, the Punjab Land Colonisation Act 1906, and the Doab Bari Act.
  • These acts would reduce farmers from owners to contractors of land. Moreover, it would have given the British government a right to take back the allotted land if the farmer even touched a tree in his field without permission.
• Led by: The movement was led by Bhagat Singh’s uncle Ajit Singh. He wanted to channel people’s anger over the farm laws to bring down the British government.
• Anthem of the movement: Pagri Sambhal Jatta, a song by Banke Dayal, the editor of Jhang Sayal, became an anthem of the movement.
• Bharat Mata Society: It was formed by Bhagat Singh’s father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh with their revolutionary friend Ghasita Ram. The society aimed to mobilise this unrest into a revolt against the British government.

Impact of the movement on British Government:

• The British made minor amendments to the laws. However, the movement did not end.
• Further, the movement also couldn’t remain non-violent after Ajit Singh was booked for sedition for his speech at a public meeting.
• Hence, the British government repealed the three controversial laws in May 1907.

Source: Indian Express

What is Sedition?