Image Credits - Daijiworld
In an unexpected turn of events on Tuesday, hundreds of farmers who were trying to march towards Delhi in support of the ongoing ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation were arrested in the Gurugram neighbourhood of Manesar. The protesters, who belonged to groups like the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Dakshin Haryana Kisan Khap, had declared a nonviolent march in the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home.
The Dakshin Haryana Kisan Khap, SKM, and other farming organisations announced on Sunday that they would be holding a nonviolent march to raise awareness of the needs of the farming community. The farmers stated that should the police stop them, they would stage a peaceful sit-in, or dharna, in front of the Prime Minister’s house.
Farmers have been demanding the repeal of three contentious farm regulations passed by the government for months under the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement. The policies have caused conflict and demonstrations as farmers claim they would negatively impact their livelihoods while providing big businesses with an unfair edge.
The farmers of Gurugram travelled to Delhi, holding banners and yelling slogans in support of their cause, hoping to be heard. However, the police stepped in to stop them when they got closer to the Manesar region. The protesters were detained by the authorities due to security concerns and the possibility of disturbance.
There was outrage when the farmers who had been arrested were placed under guard and brought to specific areas. Farmers’ supporters contend that allowing peaceful demonstrations is a fundamental democratic right and that the protestors’ incarceration violates the rights to free speech and assembly.
Supporters of the imprisoned farmers are calling for their release, and the situation in Gurugram is still tense. The organisations representing farmers have pledged to keep up the fight until their demands are fulfilled and the farm rules are overturned. The government, however, insists that the regulations are meant to provide farmers more options and to modernise agriculture.
