Farmers all set for ‘rail roko’, security up in Haryana

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Jhajjar, February 17

Security has been tightened in the district in the wake of “rail roko” called on Thursday by farmer groups protesting against the Centre’s new agricultural laws.

On the other hand, the farmers camping at the Tikri border today finalised their strategy for the protest.

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The district administration has appointed 11 duty magistrates at different railway stations and other places to maintain law and order.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) at Bahadurgarh has deployed additional force on the Rohtak-Delhi track to prevent blockade by farmers. The police have beefed up security at nearby railway tracks.

According to information, Deputy Commissioner Jitender Dahiya has appointed duty magistrates for the Bahadurgarh, Asauda, Dighal, Jhajjar, Jharli and Machhrauli railway stations, where farmers could stop trains. Besides, duty magistrates have also been appointed for Jhajjar city, Beri subdivision, Line Par locality in Bahadurgarh and Dujana villages.

“No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands. Action will be taken against those found indulging in any mischievous act,” said Hoshiar Singh, in-charge, GRP station, Bahadurgarh town. He added that four trains run on the Rohtak-Delhi track between 12 noon and 4 pm daily.

Meanwhile, Rajender Arya Dadupur, national president of the Bharatiya Kisan Majdoor Naujawan Union, has urged the public to avoid train travel on Thursday to express solidarity with farmers.

Inderjit Singh, vice-president of the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha, claimed that people from all walks of life had extended support to the farmers’ agitation and tomorrow’s protest would be successful.

Karnal farmers garner support of local villagers

• Farmers from Karnal will block the Gharaunda railway track from 12 noon to 4 pm as part of the ‘rail roko’ call.
• “Farmer leaders on Wednesday visited various villages to garner support for the railway blockade.
• Rampal Chahal, district convenor of the BKU (Charuni), said farmers had been assigned duties to ensure that the protest remained peaceful.
• Some farmers will stay put at the Bastara toll to ensure free passage to commuters. TNS

SKM issues appeal for peaceful protest

Sonepat: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday appealed to the protesting farmers not to indulge in any violence during “rail roko” on Thursday.

SKM leader Darshan Pal Singh said all unions across the nation had chalked out their schedule for the protest. “We appeal to the farmers not to misbehave with any railway official and the police,” he added.

He said the farmers would block railway tracks for four hours to express their resentment against the “adamant” behaviour of the Central Government and seek the repeal of the three farm laws. “It is unfortunate that BJP president JP Nadda along with Cabinet ministers Amit Shah and Narendra Singh Tomar held a meeting with elected leaders and others from Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan to counter the ongoing farmers’ movement instead of resolving the issue,” said Darshan Pal. TNS