The ongoing farmers’ protest against the Centre’s farm laws entered day 64 on Thursday. Tensions sparked at the Ghazipur protest site on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border after the Ghaziabad district administration issued an ultimatum for farmers to vacate the site by tonight.
However, protesting farmers remain defiant, with Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait saying they will rather commit suicide but will not cease their protest unless all three farm laws have been repealed.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed a criminal case under provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and sections of IPC dealing with sedition against organisations and individuals for the violence that took place on January 26.
Following the violence that took place during the tractor rally on Republic Day, Delhi Police registered several FIRs, including those against some farmer leaders.
Farmer unions, such as All India Kisan Sangharsh Committee and Bharat Kisan Union (Bhanu) ended their protests.
Over 300 police personnel were injured during Tuesday’s clash, while a protesting farmer died allegedly after his tractor overturned.
Thousands of farmers have been camped at various border sites around Delhi to protest against the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, enacted during the Monsoon session of the Parliament in September.