Punjab on high alert amid tension in Delhi; Capt Amarinder Singh urges genuine farmers to return to borders

Amid tension in Delhi following the ‘kisan rally’, Punjab ordered a high alert across the state besides tightening security on its borders on Tuesday.

Taking a serious view of the situation, Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh directed state Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta to ensure that law and order in the state is not disturbed at any cost.

Terming as ‘unacceptable’ the violence perpetrated by certain elements during the tractor rally today in the national capital, Amarinder Singh also urged all genuine farmers to immediately vacate Delhi and return to the borders, where they have been protesting peacefully for the past two months.

Expressing grave concern over the situation, the Punjab Chief Minister said the violence was apparently triggered by some people who violated the rules laid down for the tractor rally through mutual agreement between the Delhi Police and the farmers’ unions.

It was unfortunate that these elements disturbed the peaceful agitation of the farmers, he said, condemning the incidents that took place at the historic Red Fort and some other key points of the national Capital.

Pointing out that the most farmers’ leaders had already and categorically dissociated themselves from the violence, Capt. Amarinder Singh said the agitating farmers should immediately vacate the national Capital and get back to their camps at the borders, and continue to engage with the Centre to resolve the crisis over the farm laws.

“Shocking scenes in Delhi. The violence by some elements is unacceptable. It'll negate goodwill generated by peacefully protesting farmers. Kisan leaders have disassociated themselves & suspended #TractorRally. I urge all genuine farmers to vacate Delhi & return to borders,” the Chief Minister tweeted.

Capt. Amarinder Singh called upon the farmers to continue to exercise the remarkable restraint with which they had conducted their peaceful protests for the past two months at the Delhi borders, and in Punjab prior to that.

Pointing out that peace had been the hallmark of their agitation, and the reason for the support they had received from across India and the world, he stressed the need for law and order to be maintained at all cost during the democratic protests by the farmers.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, Manoj Yadava also issued a ‘high alert’ in the state. The DGP said that all Commissioners of Police, Range ADGP/IGs and district Superintendents of Police have been asked to be on high alert mode to deal strictly with rioters and miscreants. Additional force has been deployed in sensitive areas. The intelligence wing of the police is also monitoring the entire situation.

Yadava said that after the unfortunate incident in Delhi today, the farmers are returning to their destinations. For this, the police have been asked to be extra vigilant. The police will also ensure their safe return while keeping a close watch on all the people.

Yadava said that under the pretext of the present situation, some anti-social elements can also try to disturb peace through rumours. Police is also keeping a close eye on social media. Strict action will be taken if any kind of misleading, provocative, provoking and anarchic post is shared or forwarded on social media, he said.

People should not pay attention to any rumours and follow the Haryana Police website and Twitter handle for the latest updates, added the DGP.