The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of over 40 unions, is going to observe May 26 as a ‘black day’ to mark six months of their protest at Delhi’s borders against the Centre’s three farm laws. Meanwhile, following the call by farmers, the Delhi Police has urged people to follow Covid guidelines and not gather unnecessarily due to the ongoing pandemic in the national Capital.
“Due to the Covid situation, police have urge people to stay at home, so that the virus does not spread and cases escalate. We appeal to the citizens to observe Covid-appropriate behaviour and adhere to the lockdown which is still on in the city.
There is no permission to gather and demonstrate due to the ongoing situation,” said Chinmoy Biswal, Public Relations Officer of Delhi Police.
“Police are already present at all the borders and no illegal activity or entry will be allowed in the city. The Delhi Police is ready to deal with any person who will try to break the law”, said Biswal.
Meanwhile, the SKM in a statement issued on Tuesday said that the farmer’s movement was running on truth and non-violence and the growers would be completing six months of their historical struggle tomorrow.
“The SKM requests all Indians to celebrate and mark Buddha Poornima tomorrow, so that truth and non-violence find a place in our community again, at a time when attempts are being made to erode these basic values in our society,” it said.
“The SKM also appeals to all citizens to mark the ‘black day’ by hoisting a black flag from their homes, vehicles and other places, to express deep resistance and resentment among citizens,” it said.
The SKM has appealed to all sections, including farmers, labourers, youth, students, employees, writers, painters, transporters, traders and shopkeepers to express their protest on this historic day, the statement said.
Farmer leaders said that farmers should wear black turbans and black stoles on this day. Farmers said that by putting black flags on houses, shops, offices, tractors, cars, jeeps, scooters, motorcycles, buses and trucks, citizens should oppose the three agricultural laws, the Electricity Amendment Bill and the Pollution Ordinance, it stated.
Kulwant Singh, a farmers’ leader, said that they will hoist black flags at the three borders where the growers are protesting.
“On Wednesday, there will be black flags at the three borders of the city where the farmers are protesting. No one will try to enter the Capital. It will be very peaceful and we are urging the citizens across the nation to support the farmers by putting black flags at their homes and other possible places,” Singh said. Thousands of protesting farmers reached Delhi borders on November 26 last year to protest against the Centre’s three new farm laws.