Farmers Movement Archive

Over 50 farmer leaders detained at home, not allowed to reach district headquarters

Agra: Farmers in Agra region were not able to reach district headquarters and sub-division offices to mark protest against the three farm laws. Over 50 farmer leaders were detained by police at their homes early on Saturday. Officials of district administration also reached homes of some of the farmer leaders to collect memorandum. Heavy police deployment was made on major roads connecting villages and around administrative offices. District president of Bharatiya Kisan Union, Rajveer Lawaniya, said, “Policemen had detained us at home early on Saturday. We refused to hand over our memorandum to them. Later, police allowed us to move to the office of superintendent of police (rural). There, we handed over a memorandum addressed to the President of India to the officials of the district administration and police. We will continue our protest till the central government withdraws the three farm laws and guarantees MSP to the farmers.” Farmer leader Shyam Singh Chahar said, “Police detained me at home. Later, an additional city magistrate arrived and took the memorandum. Farmers in the Agra district held their protest in a peaceful manner. We have asked the district administration to take back legal notices being issued to farmers for instigating people against the three farm laws and participating in farmers’ protest. In case more notices are issued, we will be bound to take to streets.” Inspector general of police A Satish Ganesh said, “There has not been a single incident of disturbance of law and order in the entire Agra range. Farmer leaders were quite cooperative. They peacefully handed over memorandum highlighting their demands and concerns to the police and administrative officials. Policemen have been directed to be polite and respectful towards farmers.”

The Times of India

2021-02-07

Agra