Farmers’ protests | Return to Delhi borders, Amarinder Singh tells farmers

Violence perpetrated by certain elements unacceptable, says Punjab Chief Minister.

January 26, 2021 07:06 pm | Updated 09:45 pm IST - CHANDIGARH

Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh. File

Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh. File

Amid incidents of violence in Delhi on Tuesday, the Punjab and the Haryana governments have announced high alert to ensure peace. 

Terming the violence perpetrated by certain elements as unacceptable, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh urged all genuine farmers to immediately vacate Delhi and return to the borders, where they had been protesting peacefully for the past two months. 

The Chief Minister also ordered a high alert and directed DGP Dinkar Gupta to ensure that law and order is not disturbed at any cost. 

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal chaired a meeting and directed all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police and SPs to remain on “high alert”. 

Haryana suspended Internet services, all SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in Sonipat, Palwal and Jhajjar districts for 24 hours till 5 p.m. on Wednesday. 

Expressing grave concern, Capt. Amarinder said the violence was apparently triggered by some people who broke the rules laid down for the march through mutual agreement between the Delhi police and the kisan unions. It was unfortunate that these elements disturbed the peaceful agitation, he said, condemning the incidents that took place at the historic Red Fort and some other key points of the national capital. 

Pointing out that the major farmer leaders had already categorically dissociated themselves from the violence, Capt. Amarinder said the agitating farmers should continue to engage with the Centre to resolve the crisis over the farm laws. 

Mr. Manohar Lal said one has the freedom of speech but one should not use it to abuse others. “Also, one has the liberty to express but not to defame others. People have the freedom to protest but not to spread anarchy,” he said adding that people should be well within their limits while exercising their rights. He was speaking after unfurling the tricolour at the Republic Day function in Panchkula. 

The Shiromani Akali Dal has condemned the incidents of violence. In a statement, it said the party stands for peace and communal harmony and believes in democratic values. 

The party has also appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm at all costs and announced that an emergency meeting of the SAD core committee has been convened on Wednesday to consider the situation arising out of the incidents in the national capital. 

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