Government deploys more police force at farmers protest site around Delhi. Internet suspension continues at protest sites; union leaders call it undemocratic.
Internet Suspension Amid Farmers Protest and Concerns Over Democracy
Farmers’ union leaders and protestors have condemned the government’s action of internet suspension at the protest site. Dr Darshan Pal, leader of Samyukta Kisan Morcha, said that the government’s move was undemocratic. Further, he added that it fears the collective work of farm unions at different protest sites. Besides, he said that the government does not want real facts to reach protestors and the world. Despite this, farmers are joining the protest in huge number. On the other hand, Jeetendra Meena, Additional deputy commissioner of Delhi Police, said police has stepped up security to control the protest break out.
When asked about barricading and internet issues, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said it is a local administration issue.
Haryana government has also suspended internet in the majority of Haryana. This is not the first time India has put restrictions on online access. In 2019, the government shut down the internet twice.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, former Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Industries, said that the way the government is handling protestors is shameful. Highlighting the barricades and set up of nails, she said that farmers sitting at the protest site are this country’s people and not terrorists. Also, Manish Sisodia visited Ghazipur border to check the necessary amenities. Besides, Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter and extended his support to the farmers’ protest.
Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Petitions Related To Tractor Rally
The apex court has refused to entertain petitions demanding a judicial investigation in violence during tractor rally on Republic Day. The bench comprising of Chief Justice SA Bobde said that the government is inquiring the matter. The court does not want to interfere with it at this stage.
In all, farm unions assert that there could be no talks until the government removes multiple barricading layers and restores internet services at the protest sites. Farmers have been sitting at national capital borders demanding repeal of three farm laws for over two months now.