Haryana gears up for farmers’ road blockade; tells DCs, SPs to deal with protesters with ‘tact and patience’

Sushil Manav 

Tribune News Service 

Chandigarh, September 19 

Even as farmers across the state are gearing up for the proposed road blockade on Sunday on the call given by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), the Haryana government on Saturday told the deputy commissioners and SPs to deal with the protesters with “tact and patience”. 

Vjai Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, has written to all divisional commissioners, IGs, DCs, Commissioners of Police and SPs to ensure, however, that the protesters are not allowed to take law into their hands and that prompt action be taken against those found indulging in loot, arson or damage to life, property or vehicles. 

“All DCs, SSPs may reach out to the organisers and ensure a peaceful protest. Organisers should be advised and prevailed upon to register their protest in a peaceful and lawful manner and desist from blocking highways and roads,” said the letter. 

The district officers have been told to divert traffic immediately in case any road or highway is blocked so that people don’t face inconvenience. 

Executive magistrates have been told to remain present in the district and be stationed with their police counterparts at all such places where congregation of protesters is anticipated. 

The government has also directed the civil surgeons to ensure that the doctors remain present in hospitals in full strength for prompt treatment in case there are injuries. 

Private hospitals are also being alerted to be prepared. 

Ambulances along with doctors and paramedical staff are being stationed on the highways with police force wherever the gathering of the protesters is anticipated. 

A control room at the Home Secretary’s office has been set up and a telephone number 0172-271 1925 released for any kind of assistance on Sunday.