Farmers Movement Archive

Smooth traffic movement on NH-44; farmers stage dharna at Bastara toll plaza

Tribune News ServiceKarnal, January 30There was a smooth flow of traffic on the National Highway-44 upto the Singhu border on Saturday as a large number of police personnel were deployed to keep an eye on the miscreants.The day after the tense situation at Bastara toll plaza, the district administration on Saturday allowed a group of 25 farmers to stage a dharna at the plaza. Besides, the langar service by the farmers also resumed.Farmers had been staging dharna at the toll plaza to make it free for commuters since December 25, but after the tractor parade turned violent, the administration got the site vacated and appealed to the religious organisations not to continue the langar service, which was suspended on Wednesday.On Thursday, the farmers again started dharna at the toll plaza. On Friday, the deployment of heavy police personnel led to anger among farmers.After several rounds of meetings with farmers, the district administration allowed a small group of farmers to stage the dharna. “We have allowed the dharna by 25 farmers. The langar service will be only for the farmers who will sit on dharna,” said Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav.SP Ganga Ram Punia said security forces had been deployed to ensure smooth flow of traffic.Meanwhile, Jagdeep Singh Aulakh, member, BKU (Charuni) core committee, said earlier also the dharna was peaceful and it would remain peaceful in future too.Abhay criticises BJP for playing ‘divisive’ politicsINLD leader Abhay Chautala reached the toll plaza on Saturday and addressed the farmers. He blamed the ruling BJP for “dividing society” by resorting to “cheap tactics”.“The BJP is trying to spoil the spirit of brotherhood, but now the people have understood the tactics of the ruling party and will not allow it to do this,” said Chautala. He asked the government not to create hurdles for the farmers and accept their demands. “I am going to Ghazipur and will assure the farmers that we are with them,” he added.While going to Ghazipur with a large number of party workers, he demanded that the government bring a law on MSP and repeal the three laws.

The Tribune

2021-01-30