At several places in Punjab and Haryana, the agitating farmers have blocked the roads following the farmers’ unions call for a nationwide “chakka jam” or road blockade. The blockade took place in other parts of the country except for New Delhi.
According to reports, nearly 50 people have been detained near Shaheedi Park in Delhi for allegedly organising a protest expressing solidarity with ‘chakka jam’. Aiming to maintain law and order, the Haryana Police has also beefed up security measures. Security forces including Rapid Action Force were deployed at the Ghazipur border.
The police have removed a group of agitators who were protesting on a highway on the outskirts of Hyderabad as a part of the countrywide blockade announced by the farmers’ unions.
Meanwhile, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the Central government should accept the demands of protesting farmers against the three contentious farm bills passed by the Parliament last September. He even alleged that the BJP-led government brought these laws for the benefit of some corporate by rejecting the interests of farmers.
Congress MP KC Venugopal criticised the government and asked, “For 71 days the farmers are on streets, they are struggling. On one hand, the government is ready for talks, while on other hand they are withdrawing water connection, electricity connection. They are harassing farmers, how a democratic government can act like this?”
Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to convene a special meeting in Parliament following the protest. The move aimed at reaching a consensus to end the Lok Sabha stalemate. The Lower House was adjourned for four consecutive days following protests staged by the opposition parties, demanding a special discussion on the farmers’ protests.
