Farmers stir: Tikait gives ultimatum to govt, offers time till Oct 2 to repeal laws

06:38 February 07

It's wrong if Bhindranwale's portrait seen during Chakka Jam, says BKU's Rakesh Tikait

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait reacted over the incident where a portrait resembling Bhindranwale was seen on a tractor in Ludhiana during Chakka Jam protest against the new farm laws. Speaking to media, Tikait said, "We will talk (to the people there). If it is indeed the case, it is wrong. This should not be done. If something is banned, it should not be displayed." A flag with a portrait resembling Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was seen on a tractor in Punjab's Ludhiana during the countrywide Chakka Jam called by farmers' unions on Saturday.

06:34 February 07

Thousands of peasants, workers, tribals, political and social activists, including many women, took to the roads and highways across Maharashtra as part of the nationwide 'Chakka Jaam', to demand scrapping of the three farm laws and express solidarity with the farmers' protests in Delhi, on Saturday.

While speaking to ETV Bharat, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal suggested the agitating farmers read the newly inducted law carefully and also termed the law in the national interest. 

22:26 February 06

Former Maharashtra CM's wife taken into custody

The road blockade was observed at Kolhapur Naka in Karad district, in support of the farmers' agitation against the agriculture laws. Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan's wife Satvasheela Chavan among other protesters were taken into custody.

22:16 February 06

If senior leaders take initiative, farmer leaders also need to sit with them: NCP chief

If senior leaders of the govt like PM, Defence Minister & Nitin Gadkari come forward and speak with them (agitating farmers), a solution can be found. If senior leaders take initiative, farmer leaders also need to sit with them: NCP chief Sharad Pawar

22:13 February 06

Farmer leader DP Singh on Rakesh Tikait's announcement on holding 'Chakka Jam' in UP & Uttarakhand

He personally felt that violence might occur in UP & Uttarakhand. I feel he should have made the statement after speaking with us. The statement was made in haste: Farmer leader DP Singh on Rakesh Tikait's announcement regarding holding 'Chakka Jam' in UP & Uttarakhand.

22:11 February 06

Tomar said law is in interest of farmers, which is a lie: Krantikari Kisan Union leader

Krantikari Kisan Union leader Darshan Pal Singh said that during talks, Union Agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said he was ready to make amendments to remove whatever was problematic in the laws. "But yesterday, he said the laws are in interests of the farmers, which is a lie. We condemn it," Singh added. 

20:42 February 06

JAP head Pappu Yadav criticises celebrities response on farmers agitation

Days after celebrities from the field Indian film industry and cricket talked about farmers agitation, former Madhepura MP and Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) head Rajesh Ranjan popularly Pappu Yadav lambasts them saying "they don't know anything about farmers and farming."

Yadav vehemently criticised the Narendra Modi government for using all "bad tactics" to douse the agitation by the farmers.

19:22 February 06

Protest not limited to any state, it is across country: AIKS, Telangana unit

Farmer leaders from All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Telangana unit also joined the protesting farmers' at Delhi's Tikri border. They were present to tell the government that the protest against three farms laws is not limited to one or two state, but it is across the country.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, AIKS leader Shaik Meera from Telangana's Khammam district said, " The protest is not limited to one or two state, the protests against the black law are also going on in the Southern parts and North-eastern states as well.

18:03 February 06

17:36 February 06

Bhindranwale-resembling flag seen in Ludhiana

A flag with a portrait bearing resemblance to Bhindranwale was seen on a tractor at a 'Chakka jam' protest in Ludhiana.

16:27 February 06

We won't hold discussions with the government under pressure: Rakesh Tikait

"We hope by October 2 the government will certainly take its decision. And if not, we will declare our next stage of agitation on October 2," said Tikait to ETV Bharat at Ghazipur along the Delhi-UP border.

He added the farmer unions are open to talks, however, noted the discussions should favour the demand to roll back the three agriculture laws.

"We are here to protest. And until and unless, our demands are met, we will continue the stir," said Tikait.

16:21 February 06

'Chakka Jaam' was in wake of January 26 violence: Delhi Police PRO 

'Chakka Jaam' call wasn't for Delhi but in wake of Jan 26 violence, we had made heavy security arrangements. Security was further tightened at Delhi's border areas where farmers are gathered in large numbers. Security forces still deployed there: Chinmoy Biswal, Delhi Police PRO

Biswal also informed that no incidents took place in Delhi. Traffic movement is normal and the life is going on as usual there.

16:19 February 06

Langar at Ludhiana-Ferozepur Highway

Huge gathering at Ludhiana-Ferozepur Highway have Langar following the 'chakka jaam' called by farmers. The 'chakka jaam' was held from 12 to 3 pm today blocking the national and state highways across the country.

16:16 February 06

Metro services resumes: Delhi metro

Entry/exit gates of all metro stations are open, normal services resume: Delhi metro

16:15 February 06

Internet services suspended in Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri today

Internet services to remain suspended in Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri, and their adjoining areas till 11:59 pm today "in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency".

15:42 February 06

Hyderabad police remove people taking part in 'chakka jam'

Hyderabad Police and other security forces on Saturday removed protesters agitating on a highway on the outskirts of Hyderabad as part of the countrywide 'chakka jam' called by farmers today. The police and security forces were seen dispersing a crowd of protestors. The protests caused a huge traffic jam in the area.

15:34 February 06

If Cong made these laws, they would have stood in support of farmers: Cong leader Rashid Alvi

Extending support to the farmers, Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "BJP leaders and Union Ministers are repeatedly saying that Congress itself was going to make these laws. Even if I accept this claim, then farmers wouldn't have done an agitation against these laws? But if the farmers had done a protest during our tenure, we would have supported them rather than showing arrogance like BJP government."

Alvi further said, "The entire country is standing in solidarity with the farmers. Congress is also giving its full support. It is more than 2 months that these farmers are sitting at the Delhi borders, facing the unbearable cold, lost their loved ones. Power has passed over the head of Bhartiya Janta Party. Congress is not instigating the farmers but is in support of these farmers. BJP can't hide its face with such allegations. This protest has now become an international issue. BJP should immediately withdraw these three laws."

15:03 February 06

Govt is harassing farmers: KC Venugopal

Farmers are on streets for 71 days, they're struggling. On one hand, govt is ready for talks, while on other hand they're withdrawing water connection, electricity connection. They're harassing farmers, how can a democratic govt act like this?: KC Venugopal, Congress MP

14:53 February 06

Security personnel deployed at borders

Personnel of Security Forces including that of Rapid Action Force deployed at Ghazipur border (Delhi-Uttar Pradesh). Around 50,000 personnel of Delhi Police, Paramilitary & Reserve Forces have been deployed in Delhi-NCR region, as per Delhi Police.

14:17 February 06

 Heavy security deployment at Ghazipur

 Heavy security deployment at Ghazipur border (Delhi-Uttar Pradesh), in view of protests against the farm laws.

14:11 February 06

Farmers prepare Langar at Ghazipur border

14:10 February 06

Farmers stage protest in Mohali, Punajb

Farmer organisations in Mohali stage protest as part of the nationwide 'Chakka Jaam' called by farmers today. 

14:01 February 06

Farmers stage protest in Hyderabad

Police removed the protesters who were agitating on a highway on the outskirts of Hyderabad as part of the countrywide 'chakka jaam' called by farmers today.

13:56 February 06

Police use tear gas shells to disperse protesters

Police use water cannon, teargas & grenade on Youth Congress workers demonstrating against backdoor appointment made by LDF government in Thiruvananthapuram

13:42 February 06

Security on high alert in Ghazipur

New Delhi:Security in and around has been put on high alert to avert impossible untoward incidents during the three-hour long chakka jam called by agitating farmers. 

ETV Bharat correspondent, Gautam Debroy, tried to take stock of the situation from ground zero at Ghazipur border along National Highway 24. 

Security forces have been deputed along the Uttar Pradesh-Delhi border at Ghazipur. Interestingly, a team of agitating farmers are also helping the security forces in maintaining and order situation. "We are on agitation for more than two and a half months asking the government to repeal three farms laws...Today's chakka jam is in protest against Government's decision to shut down internet and communication system from the NCR area," said a farmer. 

Since January 31, the authorities have shut down the internet in different locations where the farmers agitation is going on."We are on high alert to avert all possible untoward incidents. However, the situation is totally peaceful in Ghazipur," said a police officer to ETV Bharat. 

Saturday is, however, another normal day for agitating farmers here. The farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh apart from organising lunger (food distribution), they have arranged everything for their basic needs. "This is a traditionally invented gizer where we can make hot water for our use," said a farmer while describing their locally gizer. People here are seen making pakoras, using hooka and others. Interestingly, the different lungers here prepare food for more than 20,000 people every day. The All India Students Association (AISA) has also opened a bookstall here at Ghazipur border. "We have opened the bookstall since day one. We are distributing books in all languages," said an AISA member. 

13:39 February 06

Protesters block National Highway

Belagavi/ Karnataka: Protesters blocked National Highway 4 in Belagavi. Police detain the protesters who were agitating against the farm laws as part of the countrywide 'chakka jaam' called by farmers today.

13:36 February 06

No impact of Chakka Jam seen at Singhu Border

No impact of Chakka Jam seen at Delhi's Singhu Border Protest Site. Heavy deployment at Singhu Border protest site. No vehicles allowed to enter within 2 kilometres of Protest site. 

Multi-Layered security barricading already in place at Singhu Border.  

13:26 February 06

'Adequate security deployed in UP'

UP Police and administration have maintained security since farmers' protest began. We've got support from farmer organisations, with their cooperation & our effort no untoward incident has happened so far. Today also we've deployed adequate security force: UP ADG, Law & order

13:23 February 06

Protesters detained in Delhi

Delhi Police detain the protesters at Shahidi Park who were agitating against the farm laws as part of the countrywide 'chakka jaam' called by farmers today.

13:11 February 06

Roads blocked in Pune

Protesters block roads in Pune as part of 'Chakka Jaam' call given by farmers from 12 pm to 3 pm today 

12:54 February 06

Chakka Jaam on Jammu-Pathankot highway

Farmer organisations in Jammu stage protest on Jammu-Pathankot highway as part of the nationwide 'Chakka Jaam' called by farmers today. "We appeal to the govt to repeal these laws. We support the farmers protesting on the borders of Delhi," says a protester

12:52 February 06

Police detain protesters in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Police detain the protesters who were agitating outside Yelahanka Police Station against the farm laws as part of the countrywide 'chakka jaam' called by farmers today.

12:44 February 06

Peaceful 'satyagraha' of farmers in national interest: Rahul

Amid nationwide 'chakka jam' called by the farmer unions protesting the Centre's new agri laws, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said the peaceful 'satyagraha' of the 'annadatas' is in national interest as the farm laws are "harmful" for the country.

Farmer unions had on Monday announced a countrywide 'chakka jam' on February 6 during which they would block national and state highways between 12 noon and 3 pm to protest the internet ban in areas near their agitation sites, harassment allegedly meted out to them by authorities, and other issues.

"The peaceful satyagraha of annadatas is in national interest -- these three laws are not just harmful for farmers-labourers, but also for the people and the country. Full support!" Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also slammed the government over the farmers issue by posting on Twitter a picture of the multi-layered barricading at one of the farmer protest sites.

"Why do you scare by the wall of fear?" she tweeted along with the picture.

The Congress had on Friday extended support to the countrywide 'chakka jam' called by the farmer unions, saying party workers will stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers in their protest.     

12:38 February 06

National Highway blocked in Shahjahanpur

Protesters block national highway near Shahjahanpur border (Rajasthan-Haryana), as part of 'Chakka Jaam' call given by farmers from 12 pm to 3:00 pm today.

12:32 February 06

Protesters block roads in Punjab
Protesters block roads in Amritsar and Mohalias part of 'Chakka Jaam' call given by farmers from 12 pm to 3 pm today 

12:23 February 06

19 companies of paramilitary forces deployed in Sonipat

19 companies of paramilitary have been deployed in Sonipat ahead of the Chakka Jaam to avoid any law and order situation.

12:09 February 06

Delhi police seal area where BKU dumped soil

Delhi police has taken possession and sealed the area where BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikiat had made two brought two trucks of soil in order to grow roses for Delhi police in return to the nails put out by them.

11:58 February 06

Security beefed up Delhi's Tikri border ahead of farmers' Chakka Jaam

New Delhi: Delhi Police along with paramilitary forces is on alert at Tikri border ahead of farmers Chakka Jaam. The internet services have been shut and no one is allowed to enter without identity proof at the protest site. 

11:45 February 06

Several Delhi Metro stations closed 

In view of the 'chakka jam' announced by farmers, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed the gates of at least eight metro stations in central and north Delhi as a precautionary measure.

The DMRC in a series of tweets from its official handle said, "Security Update: Entry and exit gates of Mandi House, ITO and Delhi Gate are closed."

"The entry and exit gates of Vishwavidyalaya station are closed," it said in another tweet.

In another tweet, it said, "Security Update: Entry and exit gates of Lal Quila (Red fort), Jama Masjid, Janpath and Central Secretariat are closed. Interchange facility is available."

11:39 February 06

Police personnel deployed at strategic locations

Police personnel are deployed at strategic locations such as Road number 56, NH-24, Vikas Marg, GT Road, Jirabad Road, since it's a call for nation-wide 'chakka-jam'. Barricading has been done in a way that there is no intrusion in Delhi: Alok Kumar, Joint CP, Delhi Police

11:34 February 06

Farmers gather on roads ahead of Chakka Jaam

11:08 February 06

Delhi police make arrangements ahead of Chakka Jaam

Delhi Police has put adequate security arrangements in place at borders to prevent any untoward incident and social media contents are under surveillance to prevent the spread of false rumours ahead of 'Chakka Jaam.'

11:02 February 06

Entry/exit gates of Vishwavidyalaya station are also closed: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

11:02 February 06

Students at protest site face difficulties amid internet shutdown

Students who have come along with their families to protest farm laws are finding it difficult to continue their studies amid internet blackout at Singhu border. However, the students are finding ways to keep in touch with their books.

10:49 February 06

'Whole country is  protesting against farm laws'

Govt. of India has a misunderstanding that only Punjab is agitating. The entire country is protesting, farmers from all states are sitting at protest sites. If they still want to turn a blind eye claiming only Punjab is protesting, then one can't do anything: Harsimrat Kaur Badal, SAD

10:49 February 06

Entry/exit gates of Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Janpath and Central Secretariat closed: DMRC

10:47 February 06

Hollywood veteran Susan Sarandon supports farmers protest

Veteran actor Susan Sarandon on Saturday extended her support to the ongoing farmers agitation and said she stands in solidarity with the protesters.

The "Thelma & Louise" star is the latest international celebrity to back the protest, after a tweet by pop star Rihanna triggered a wave of support for the protesting farmers by a number of global personalities, activists and politicians.

The 74-year-old actor took to Twitter and shared a news report by The New York Times, headlined, "Why Are Farmers Protesting in India?"

"Standing in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India. Read about who they are and why they're protesting below," Sarandon wrote. 

10:45 February 06

English-speaking kid who is a star at protest site

10:42 February 06

Government's responsibility to ensure peace during 'Chakka Jaam': Farmer leader Jagtar Singh Bajwa

New Delhi: Kisan Andolan Committee (KAC) leader Jagtar Singh Bajwa on Saturday said the 'Chakka Jaam' will be peaceful, and it is government's responsibility to ensure that no anti-social elements create violence.

"Our entire protest so far has been peaceful. The whole farmer fraternity wants to peacefully organise 'Chakka Jaam'. But the government has to ensure, with the help of its agencies and security forces to prevent rowdy elements are conspiring to create violence, it should be prevented."

"We will organise 'Chakka Jaam' everywhere in the country barring Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand as Tikait announced last evening. We will register our protest against farm laws in front of authorities in these two states by submitting the memorandum," he added.

He further said that people from protest camps have gone back to their villages to ensure peace during 'Chakka Jaam' in their regions.

10:41 February 06

Entry/exit gates of Mandi House, ITO and Delhi Gate are closed: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

10:24 February 06

Punjabi singer Amrit Maan joins farmers at Singhu Border

Punjabi singer Amrit  Maan joined the farmers' agitation against the new farm bills. The Punjabi singer-actor was spotted at Singhu Border. He extended his support to farmers. 

10:07 February 06

Security tightened at Tikri border ahead of Chakka Jaam

09:57 February 06

Security tightened at Loni border

Security tightened in Delhi-NCR in view of 'Chakka Jaam' call by farmers; visuals from Loni border (Ghaziabad) where drone is being used to monitor the situation.

09:52 February 06

Drones deployed at Tikri

Delhi: Drone cameras deployed in the national capital at Tikri border to monitor the situation in the wake of 'Chakka Jaam' call by farmers 

08:43 February 06

Paramilitary Forces have been deployed at various parts of Delhi-NCR

To assist Delhi Police in maintaining law and order situation amid 'Chakka Jaam' call by farmers, Paramilitary Forces have been deployed at various parts of Delhi-NCR including borders.

Around 50,000 personnel of Delhi Police, Paramilitary and Reserve Forces deployed in Delhi-NCR region. At least 12 metro stations in the national capital have been put on alert for closing the entry & exit, in view of any disturbance 

07:43 February 06

Extensive barricading undertaken at Ghazipur border

Delhi: Extensive barricading measures are undertaken at Ghazipur border with water cannon vehicles deployed, as a preemptive measure to deal with possible disturbances resulting from 'Chakka Jaam' calls by farmer unions protesting farm laws.

07:32 February 06

Security beefed up at ITO

Security personnel deployed along with barricading measures at the Minto Bridge area. The area has been blockaded as a preemptory counter-measure to thwart 'Chakka Jaam' calls announced by farmer unions which are protesting the new farm laws. Meanwhile, security has also been tightened at ITO.

07:27 February 06

Heavy police deployment at Red Fort

Heavy deployment of police personnel at the Red Fort as a preventive measure to dispel actions resulting from calls for 'Chakka Jaam' by farmer unions protesting the farm laws

07:26 February 06

The Gurugram Police have been put on high alert in view of the farmer's threat of blocking toll plazas and state and national highways to protest against the three Central farm laws on February 6.

The 'Chakka Jam' by the farmers is scheduled to take place for three hours, between 12 noon and to 3 pm.

The Gurugram police have intensified security and deployed huge force on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48), Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, Kheri Daula toll plaza on the NH-48 and state highways.

All the Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Deputy Commissioners of police (DCPs) have been asked to ensure patrolling in their respective areas. Police presence have been increased along the border areas and near the Kheri Daula toll plaza.

"The protesters have announced to block the highways for three hours on Saturday. The Gurugram district has been peaceful ever since the beginning of the farmers' agitation and till now no untoward incident has been reported. But we have beefed up security arrangements to maintain peace in Gurugram," said Commissioner of Police, K.K. Rao.

The police said that the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and the KMP Expressway are lifelines for the daily commuters. If these two stretches are disturbed for a few minutes, it will affect many other areas. In view of this, the Gurugram police have depolyed force along with the stretch.

Apart from this, special instructions have been issued to the police force to keep a vigil on suspicious elements.

"Policemen have been deployed in all the crowded areas, including the Sadar Bazar. The police strength has also been increased around the Metro stations, railway stations and bus stands to maintain law and order," Rao said.

06:14 February 06

Farmers stir: Protests continue at Ghazipur border

New Delhi-UP:Protesters demonstrating against the farm laws continue their agitation at the Ghazipur(Delhi-UP) border.