TAD NewsDesk, New Delhi: Farmers Union have launched a symbolic “Bharat Bandh” today. The day before the next round of talks, the agitating farmers have taken this bold step. This alignment of the farmers has been backed by 15 opposition parties and several trade unions. The farmers have blocked key roads during their ‘chakka jam’ protest from 11 am to 3 pm today.
One of the farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal told reporters that they will not accept anything less than the complete withdrawal of the three new farm laws.
He said,
“There will be complete ‘Bharat bandh’ till 3 pm Tuesday, but emergency services will be allowed.”
On Monday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with his cabinet colleagues, met farmers at the Singhu border where he reviewed arrangements at the protest site. The AAP, along with 14 other opposition parties have extended support to the December 8 Bharat Bandh call by the farmers to protest against the three contentious ordinances.
A chaotic situation has been expected by the government officials and hence apart from heavy police deployment at key border areas, Delhi Police has deployed personnel “outside offices of all political parties, the Agriculture Minister’s residence and Krishi Bhawan” to ensure law and order is maintained.
The Centre has also asked all the states and Union Territories to tighten the security and ensure that peace and tranquillity is maintained during ‘Bharat Bandh’. The Union Home Ministry has also issued the advisory to follow social distancing and Covid-19 guidelines.
