News Analysis India

Tag: Farmers Protest

  • Bharat Bandh: Farmers gather near national highways, key roads in Punjab, Haryana 

    By PTI
    CHANDIGARH: Farmers gathered at several national highways, key roads and some railway tracks in Punjab and Haryana on Friday morning as part of their nationwide protest against the Centre’s new agri laws.

    According to the Samkyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the Bharat Bandh is being observed from 6 am to 6 pm to mark four months of the farmers’ agitation at Delhi’s three borders — Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri.

    Heavy police force has been deployed in the two states as part of security measures, an official said.

    The farmers have gathered at several highways and roads in the two states including in Bathinda, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Mohali, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Bhiwani districts.

    ALSO READ | Bharat Bandh: Traffic movement suspended on Ghazipur border 

    A group of farmers who were holding a protest in Zirakpur and Kharar towns in Punjab, both on the outskirts of Chandigarh, said they were allowing ambulances and other emergency vehicles to pass.

    Some of the protesters blocked the Ambala-Delhi highway near Ambala Cantt, police said.

    While another group squatted on a railway track near Shahpur village, around five kilometers from Ambala Cantt, due to which all the trains running between Delhi and Saharanpur were stranded, railway officials said.

    The farmers also blocked the Ambala-Rajpura Highway on the Haryana-Punjab border near Shambhu barrier, and the Ambala-Hisar Highway near Ambala City.

    Blockades on various state highways were also reported in Naraingarh and Mullana in Haryana, police said.

    The SKM, an umbrella body of protesting unions, appealed to protesting farmers to be peaceful and not get involved in any kind of illegitimate debate and conflict during the ‘bandh’.

    “All shops, malls, markets and institutions will remain closed under complete Bharat Bandh. All minor and big roads and trains will be blocked. All services will remain suspended except for ambulance and other essential services. The effect of Bharat Bandh will be observed inside Delhi as well,” SKM had said in a statement.

    Farmer leaders have said road and rail transport will be blocked and claimed that markets will also remain closed. They also claimed that trade unions from organised and unorganised sectors, and transport and other associations too have extended support to the call for Bharat Bandh.

    ALSO READ | Support farmers, but shops, factories will be open during Bharat Bandh: Delhi traders

    Meanwhile, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), apex religious body of the Sikhs, has also supported the nationwide protest.

    SGPC president Jagir Kaur had said on Thursday that its offices would be kept closed on Friday in support of the Bharat Bandh.

    Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws and a legal guarantee for the minimum support price on their crops.

    The statement issued by the SKM claimed that various farmers’ organisations, trade unions, student organisations, bar associations, political parties and representatives of state governments have supported its call for a nationwide protest.

    ALSO READ | Rail, road transport likely to be affected in parts of country

    Apart from repealing of three farm laws, the demands of protesting unions include cancellation of all police cases against farmers, withdrawal of electricity and pollution bills, and reduction in prices of diesel, petrol and gas.

    So far, there have been 11 rounds of talks between the protesting unions and government, but the deadlock has continued as both sides have stuck to their stand.

    In January, the government had offered to suspend the farm laws for 12-18 months, which was rejected by the farmer unions.

  • Fire breaks out in farmers’ tent at Singhu border

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: A fire broke out in a tent at Delhi’s Singhu border where farmers have been protesting the Centre’s three agri laws, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha claimed on Saturday.

    Sukhwinder Singh, a protester, said the incident took place around 10 am near an under-construction flyover where the tent was put up.

    However, there was no official word about the incident from the police or the fire department. The tent was completely burnt, the Morcha, which is heading the agitation, said.

    A man was also injured while trying to extinguish the blaze.

    The tent was burnt after a cylinder caught fire, the SKM claimed. There were around 10 to 12 people inside the tent when the blaze broke out.

    Five mobile phones, twenty mattresses, 20 chairs and dry ration was destroyed, it said, adding that a fire tender from Kundali doused the fire.

    Hundreds of farmers are camping at Delh’s borders points at Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri since November demanding that the Centre repeal the three contentious farm laws and make a new one that would ensure legal guarantee on the MSP.

    Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

    The protesting farmers, on the other hand, have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and do away with the “mandi” (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

  • US defence secretary urged to raise rights violation and Russia deal on India trip

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: Ahead of US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin’s visit to India, Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Bob Menendez has urged him to raise the issues of human rights and democracy, and acquisition of S400 systems from Russia.

    “The Indian government’s ongoing crackdown on farmers peacefully protesting new farming laws and corresponding intimidation of journalists and government critics only underscores the deteriorating situation of democracy in India.

     Moreover, in recent years, rising anti-Muslim sentiment and related government actions like the Citizenship Amendment Act, the suppression of political dialogue and arrest of political opponents following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, and the use of sedition laws to persecute political opponents have resulted in the US human rights group Freedom House stripping India of its ‘Free’ status in its yearly global survey,” Menendez wrote to the secretary of defence. 

    Austin is scheduled to visit India between March 19 and 21 where he will hold discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Menendez’s letter also urges Austin to take up the issue of India’s procurement of S400 Missile Systems from Russia, which could lead to US sanctions. “I recognise that India is not a US treaty ally and has historical ties with the Soviet and Russian militaries.

    However, if India chooses to go forward with its purchase of the S-400, that act will clearly constitute a significant, and therefore sanctionable, transaction with the Russian defense sector under Section 231 of CAATSA,” he said and added that it will limit India’s ability to work with the US on procurement of sensitive military technology.

  • Most promises kept, Amarinder Singh sad about  Centre’s farm stand

    Express News Service
    CHANDIGARH: Despite his Congress party sweeping the recent civic body elections where electronic voting machines (EVM) were used for the first time in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has advocated reverting to ballot papers. He thinks EVMs can be manipulated.  Talking on the occasion of completing four years at the helm in Punjab, Amarinder also claimed that his government has fulfilled 85 per cent promises made in the manifesto of 2017. He said this is a record, bettering the mark of 81 per cent set by  Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh.

    “I support reverting to the paper ballot system. In this electronic age, why are advanced countries like Japan, Sweden, UK, Norway not using EVMs? They  know this can be manipulated. Why are we using them?” he asked. Amarinder opposed the policy of excessive regionalisation followed in certain states. “I believe India is one country. Too much regionalisation is not good,” he said,  responding to a question on job reservation for local youth in neighbouring Haryana. “If we start regionalising, we will suffer,” he warned.

    Making it clear that his government was opposed to the Centre’s farm laws, Amarinder urged the government to bring in new laws after discussions with farmers. However, Amarinder added that he could not see a middle path to break the stalemate. “What’s the point in making it a prestige issue? How many more farmers do you want to kill? They are poor farmers sitting there, with women and elderly,” he said, pointing out that Punjab has lost 112 farmers since the agitation began.

    Asked about Navjot Singh Sidhu’s reinclusion in the state cabinet, the chief minister said: “Everyone wants him to be part of our team.” He sounded hopeful that Sidhu would take a positive decision soon. Amarinder said he would also be happy to have Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Dhullo as part of the team. “In a difficult hour, you have to set aside your own ambitions and stand with the party,” he said.Taking serious note of the increase in drone movement from across the border, Amarinder said: “As long as I am here, no Khalistani or Pakistani or any other terrorist activity will be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.”

  • Haryana passes Bill to recover damages after violent protests

    By Express News Service
    CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Assembly on Thursday passed a Bill that will allow authorities to recover compensation  from violent protesters for causing damage to public property. The Haryana Recovery of Damages to Property during Disturbance to Public Order Bill, 2021 was tabled in the House three days back and was passed after an hour-long discussion.

    The Bill provides for recovery of damages to property caused during disturbances to public order by an assembly, lawful or unlawful, including riots and violent disorder. A ‘claims tribunal’ can be set up to assess damage to public property and fix liability. The collector can order the attachment of property or bank accounts of anyone asked by the tribunal to pay compensation.

    Home Minister Anil Vij countering the Opposition said, “We are not bringing this Bill against people’s democratic right to hold a protest. They said we are bringing this for farmers’ agitation, but there is no connection.” Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda also sought its withdrawal. He  said, “Peaceful protest is every citizen’s right. There are already legal provisions pertaining to damage caused to property. What about the responsibility of the police in not being able to control law and order?’’

    Slamming the government, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “The bill itself is law imposing and  puts a permanent ban on every person or group who speaks, thinks, protests and states the flaws and mistakes of state government. Not only does this violate the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 19 of the Constitution, but it also reflects the mentality and frustration of the BJP-JJP government that it is scared of the people of Haryana.’’

  • Leave ego, scrap farm laws and talk to farmers: Amarinder Singh to Centre

    By PTI
    CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged the Centre to leave its ego, scrap the three farm legislations and bring in new laws after fresh discussions with farmers.

    Singh was addressing the media on the completion of four years of his government.

    “Bring new bills after discussion with farmers. Sit with them, talk to them and then bring a new bill. Why are you sitting on prestige and ego,” he asked the Centre.

    Referring to the amendment bills passed by the state assembly last year to “negate” the Centre’s farm laws, Singh said, “We will go to the Supreme Court if the President does not give assent to the state amendment bills.”

    The chief minister, however, noted that the amendment bills are yet to be forwarded to the President by the governor of Punjab.

    Singh further said he could not see a middle path to break the stalemate between the farmers and the government of India, and asked the Centre to scrap the farm laws.

    How many more farmers have to die, he asked, pointing out that 112 farmers from Punjab alone have lost their lives since the agitation began.

    Targeting the governor for not forwarding the amendment bills passed by the Punjab Assembly for the President’s assent, he remarked, “Are we a democracy or not?” Punjab took a unanimous decision and the governor has no business to sit on the files, the chief minister said.

    It is his duty to forward to the President for assent under Article 254 (2) of the Constitution, he said.

    Singh said his government would fulfil the promises made in the run up to the assembly elections in 2017 before going back to the people for their blessings ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections.

    The Congress in Punjab has no rival.

    Neither the Akalis nor the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) can offer any competition, he claimed.

    The chief minister said more than 85 per cent of promises made in the last election manifesto have been implemented, and claimed it was record for any party in any state.

    He said the previous record was held by Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh (for 81 per cent of promises fulfilled).

    Listing his government’s biggest achievement as the maintenance of ‘Punjabiyat’ in the state, Singh said people wanted peace so as to conduct their work or business.

    Asked if he would lead the party in the 2022 assembly election and be its CM face, Singh it the for the Congress leadership to decide.

    On poll strategist Prashant Kishor’s appointment as his principal adviser, the he said in a democracy, every leader and party has a team of strategists.

    Replying to a question on the inquiry into 2015 sacrilege incidents, Singh said the special investigation team would soon complete its investigation and that he will not interfere if they decide to chargesheet any senior police officer or politician.

    He also took serious note of the perceptible increase in drone movement from across the border since the farmers’ protests started gathering heat in October 2020.

    Currently, the Khalistani cells in Punjab are dormant but they were being fed weapons via the drones to create trouble, the chief minister said.

    On key achievements of his government, he said the backbone of the drugs chain has been successfully broken.

    Asked about the criminal cases against gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who is currently lodged in a Punjab jail and whose custody is sought by Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister said the matter was sub-judice.

    If Ansari has committed a crime in Punjab, he will have to pay the price for it, he added.

  • Talking ‘unofficially’ to both sides for early solution: Meghalaya Governor Malik on govt-farmers stalemate

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik has said he was talking “unofficially” to the agitating farmers and the government to press for an early solution to the stalemate over the contentious agri laws, adding there was a growing understanding within the two sides that a resolution needs to be found at the earliest.

    Malik, who hails from Baghpat in western Uttar Pradesh, asserted the issue of farmers needs to be resolved soon else it will damage the BJP in Western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.

    He also expressed regret that “no one has uttered even a single word” at the death of agitating farmers during the over 100-day protest by them.

    Referring to the deadlock persisting between the protesting farmers and the government despite several rounds of talk Malik said no one is being unreasonable in the government and only those who want to damage the party are opposing an early solution.

    “I am of the opinion that there should be a solution to the problem at the earliest and I am hopeful now of an early solution because there seems to be not much distance between the viewpoints of two sides.

    “I am talking unofficially to both the sides pressing for an early solution.

    There is a growing understanding within the farmer community that a solution needs to be found at the earliest as well as the government,” Malik told NDTV.

    Hundreds of farmers have been camping at Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri on Delhi borders since November with a demand the Centre repeal the three contentious farm laws and make a new one that would ensure a legal guarantee on the MSP.

    Protest is also going on in several parts of country on the issue.

    The government, however, has held that the laws were pro-farmer.

    “No one is unreasonable in the government — neither the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) nor other people.

    Only those people will oppose an early solution to the problem, who want to damage the party.

    I am hopeful of an early solution to this, as otherwise the issue will damage the party in Western UP, Haryana and Rajasthan,” he added.

    “I have been asked by the media why I am talking about the issues despite being on a Constitutional post, and I explained that even if a dog is killed, there are condolence messages pouring in from everywhere and here 250 farmers are dead the border, no one has uttered even a single word,” he added.

    “By not talking about it, we have left the entire turf for opponents who are talking and taking political mileage from it,” he said.

    Malik said he was born and brought up among the farming community and that is why he was pained about the situation.

    He said he is not worried as to what his former party members in the BJP will think of him for his statements on the issue.

    “I was born and brought up with this community and that is why I am pained about the situation of farmers today.

    No, I am not scared because whenever leaders of my party feel that I am creating problems for them and the same is conveyed to me, I will immediately leave and raise the same voice as an individual,” he said.

    The government has held several rounds of talks with farmer leaders, but they have been inconclusive so far.

    “And if you cast aspersions on the agitation, then let me tell you that the anger and alienation level is too high among the farming community. The solution will be found soon as reasonability within the farming community as well as the government is growing. Now the government should call them and start a dialogue,” he said.

    Earlier, siding with farmers, Malik had on Sunday urged Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah not to “offend” them.

    Speaking at an event in his home district Baghpat, he had said if the Centre gives legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, farmers will relent.

  • Toolkit row: Accused withdraw anticipatory bail pleas as police assure 7-day notice before arrest

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Three people accused in the toolkit case withdrew their anticipatory bail applications from a Delhi court on Monday after police assurance that advance notice of seven working days will be given to them in case the arrest is imminent and unavoidable.

    Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana disposed of the anticipatory bail applications filed by Nikita Jacob, Shantanu Muluk and Shubham Kar Chaudhari.

    The court passed the order after the prosecution as well as the accused agreed to the arrangement.

    The court had earlier granted regular bail to climate activist Disha Ravi in the case.

    The 21-year-old activist Ravi was arrested from Bengaluru in connection with the formulation and dissemination of the ‘toolkit’ document, in the ongoing farmers’ protest against the new agri laws cleared by the Centre.

    She was one of the editors of the ‘toolkit’ document.

    Police told the court on Monday that the probe was dependent on foreign-based service providers and that looking at the conduct of the accused, custodial interrogation would be needed.

    “We don’t want to have a situation where we are denied custodial interrogation,” the police said.

    The prosecution argued that investigation was at an initial stage which requires technical analysis.

    “At this juncture, it is proposed by defence counsel that to be fair to the agency, they are willing to withdraw subject to the condition that if in case arrest is imminent and unavoidable, seven working days advance notice shall be served on accused persons,” the court observed.

    Accused may exercise their legal remedies during that period, the court noted.

    The police acceded to the request.

    All three accused have been granted transit bail in the matter in which an FIR was registered under IPC Sections 124A (sedition), ­153A (promoting enmity) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

  • YouTube star Lilly Singh wears ‘I stand with farmers’ mask at Grammys red carpet

    By PTI
    LOS ANGELES: Indo-Canadian YouTube star and late-night talk show host Lilly Singh sported a “I stand with farmers” mask at the red carpet of 2021 Grammy Awards to reiterate her support to the ongoing farmers agitation in India.

    The 32-year-old social media personality took to Twitter and posted a picture of herself from the 63rd edition of the Grammy Awards.

    Singh wrote that since there’s intense media spotlight on the red carpet, this was the perfect opportunity to show her solidarity with farmers.

    “I know red carpet/award show pictures always get the most coverage, so here you go media. Feel free to run with it. #IStandWithFarmers #GRAMMYs,” she captioned the photograph.

    I know red carpet/award show pictures always get the most coverage, so here you go media. Feel free to run with it #IStandWithFarmers #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/hTM0zpXoIT
    — Lilly // #LateWithLilly (@Lilly) March 15, 2021

    Singh had previously thanked pop star Rihanna for supporting Indian farmers who have been protesting for over three months against the three contentious agri laws.

    Rihanna’s tweet in February had triggered a wave of support for the protesting farmers by a number of global personalities, activists and politicians.

    “Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is tired,” Singh had written.

    Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, Hollywood veteran actor Susan Sarandon, Meena Harris, an American lawyer and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, actor Amanda Cerni, singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa have also supported the protesting farmers.

    Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the Delhi border points, Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur, for over three months, demanding the repeal of farm laws and a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

  • Farmers’ protest: Ghazipur border reopens, traffic movement allowed from Delhi to UP

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: The Ghazipur border, which was closed due to farmers’ protests against Central farm laws, was reopened on Monday for traffic movement. However, the movement is allowed only for those entering Uttar Pradesh from the national capital.

    The decision to open the carriageway of the National Highway-24 going towards Ghaziabad from Delhi has been opened after discussions between Delhi Police with police officials of Ghaziabad district.

    “In view of prevailing law and order situation at the Ghazipur border and considering public convenience, the carriageway of NH-24 going towards Ghaziabad from Delhi has been opened after consultation with police officials of Ghaziabad District, Uttar Pradesh,” said Delhi Police.

    “Traffic Alert: Gazipur Border, Delhi to Gazipur is open for traffic movement,” Delhi police tweeted.

    On March 2, the Ghazipur border, which remained closed since January 26 following the Republic Day violence, was reopened for vehicular movement. Later, the border was closed for traffic movement.

    Ghazipur border is among those sites where farmers have been protesting since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted farm laws — Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

    As agitating farmers assemble at the Gazipur border and tried to break police barricades, one carriageway of the National Highway 24 for Uttar Pradesh to Delhi was first closed for traffic on December 3 last year.