Farmers Movement Archive

PAAS seeks permission to hold rally again on Feb 7

Surat: Breaking years of silence, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti’s (PAAS) city unit has again become active. In a latest, the samiti has sought permission to hold Tiranga Yatra on February 7, which was earlier denied to them on January 26 on Varachha road.PAAS was to hold the rally against the Farm Bills and in support of protesting farmers at Delhi, to withdraw police cases against PAAS members registered during past protests and government college in Varachha. Cops had then arrested 93 persons while attempting to take out a rally without permission. Total four FIRs were registered against them in Varachha, Kapodra and Sarthana police stations. PAAS leaders have approached the Gujarat High Court challenging refusal for permission for letting them hold a rally. “We challenged the refusal in the court after which the local authorities have been served notices by the court to submit their reply. January 27 was the last date to submit reply when they requested the court for more time,” said Dharmik Malaviya, convener, PAAS. “It was argued verbally by police in court that it is a Republic Day and police are busy in various other events being held in the city. Following this the court asked us to suggest an alternate date after which we applied for a fresh date,” Malaviya added. PAAS wants to take out the rally from Sarthana to Mini Bazaar on Varachha road that covers the largest Patidar locality in the city. Majority of the seats won by Congress were from these areas during 2015 municipal election when Patidar Anamat Andolan was in its peak. “PAAS was active during the lockdown by providing food and other help to people. Our movement continued but due to Covid-19 we were not aggressive,” Malaviya added.

The Times of India

2021-01-31

Surat