Section144 imposed in Pipli grain market

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, September 9

Ahead of the 'Kisan Bachao, Mandi Bachao' rally in Kurukshetra on September 10, the Deputy Commissioner imposed Section 144 restricting the gathering of five or more people at Pipli grain market on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner Sharandeep Kaur said, "The Bhartiya Kisan Union has given a call for a rally, but due to Covid, no permission has been granted by the district administration. We have been urging the public to stay at home and not to reach the rally site. To maintain the law and order situation, Section 144 has been imposed. Besides this, a three-tire security arrangement has been made. Duty magistrates have been appointed at Thanesar, Pehowa, Shahabad, and Ladwa and 54 nakas have been set up. Along with the reserve police force, nearly 600 police personnel and officials will remain on duty. We have appealed to the farmer leaders to withdraw their call for the rally."

Surjewala slams leaders' 'illegal detention'

Chandigarh: Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has condemned the "illegal detention of farmer leaders to sabotage" the September 10 rally. Asking the BJP-JJP government to refrain from its crude attempt to undermine the joint strength of farmers, traders and labourers, Surjewala said that the venue of the public meeting, Pipli mandi, has been converted into a 'police cantonment' and the shopkeepers of the grain market were being served notice for closing their shops.

While Opposition political parties have come out in support of the farmers, the BJP has appealed to the farmers' union to withdraw its call.

Congress leader Ashok Arora said that the BJP has not only been taking anti-farmers decisions, but it has also been trying to suppress their voice. Instead of asking the farmers to withdraw their rally, the administration should have imposed some conditions and told them to maintain social distancing and limit the numbers of farmers."

AAP leader Jawaharlal Goyal said, "The kisan cell of AAP will participate in the rally. The administration should have given permission to the farmers."

INLD district chief Buta Singh said, "The BJP has been taking anti-farmer decisions. We condemn the decision of not allowing the rally."

BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh said, "We have submitted repeated memorandums but no attention was paid by the government. The commission agents, labourers and rice millers have extended support to the farmers. We are ready for every struggle and will not let the government suppress our voice. The government should allow us to hold a rally in a peaceful manner."

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