Union Home Ministry Issues Advisory to Punjab, Urges Action Against Disruptive Activities in Farmer Protest Guise

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, particularly amidst the planned farmer march to Delhi, the Union home ministry issued a crucial advisory to the state. The advisory, issued late on Tuesday, expressed concern over the escalating tensions and cited observations from the Punjab and Haryana high court regarding reasonable restrictions on the farmers’ right to protest.

The advisory highlighted reports from central security agencies, pointing out a marked deterioration in the law and order machinery in Punjab related to the ongoing farmer agitation. It specifically mentioned concerns about the use of tractor-trolleys, JCBs, and other heavy equipment on highways, raising objections to their presence.

Citing nearly 14,000 people gathering at Punjab’s Shambhu border with Haryana, along with a significant number of vehicles, the advisory urged immediate and stringent action against disruptive activities. It emphasized the need to curb any miscreants or law-breakers operating under the guise of the farmers’ protest, intending to spread unrest and disorder in neighboring states.

The Haryana Police, aligning with the advisory, has ordered the seizure of heavy equipment from protesting farmers. Central agencies continue to monitor the security situation at inter-state borders to prevent any potential entry into Delhi.

The farmers, rejecting the government’s MSP proposal, have intensified their protests, echoing their demand for MSP for additional food grains. The Union Home Ministry urges state authorities to ensure the maintenance of law and order while respecting the right to peaceful protest.