Farmer leaders make arrangements, issue instructions to ensure peaceful tractor rally

Farmer leaders on Sunday appealed to those participating in Republic Day tractor march to carry eugh ration for 24 hours and ensure that rally remains peaceful.

“ one should carry any weapon or drink alcohol. Banners carrying inciting messs are t allowed,” a farmer leader said. “Three routes, originating from Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur border points, have been finalized for march,” he said.

Those starting from Singhu border will traverse Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Bawana, Qutabgarh, Auchandi border and Kharkhoda toll plaza. entire route will be 63 kilometres long. 62-km long second route, starting from Tikri border, will pass through Nagloi, Najafgarh, Jharoda border and Rohtak bypass and Asoda toll plaza, farmer leaders said.

Tractors starting from Ghazipur will drive through Apsara border, Hapur Road and Lal Kuan. Covering 68 kilometres, it is longest route for march. farmer leaders will be on frontline in ir cars. All vehicles will have to return to originating place. one will try and stop midway without a valid reason, farmer leaders said. Each tractor will carry a tricolour and re will be folk music and patriotic songs.

Only five people per tractor will be allowed and strict vigil is being maintained to thwart any “criminal activity”, y said. “You are requested to carry jackets and blankets considering wear. Everyone has to return to starting point (ir base),” one of leaders said. Farmer leaders said tractor parade will remain peaceful and will t affect official Republic Day parade in any way.

Earlier in day, a member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a joint front of protesting farmer unions, said tractor parade will start after official Republic Day parade concludes at Rajpath. A war room has been set up at each protest site to ensure effective coordination during parade. re will be 40 members, including doctors, security personnel and social media manrs, in each of se rooms, SKM member said.  Around 40 ambulances will be stationed along route to attend to any medical emergency.

Ar farmer leader said around 3,000 volunteers have been deployed to ensure that parade remains peaceful and untoward incident takes place. volunteers have been given badges and identity cards. A team of ex-servicemen participating in protest will also keep an eye on security situation. A team of mechanics has also been created to repair tractors if need arises.

Enacted in September last year, three farm laws have been projected by Centre as major reforms in agriculture sector that will remove middlemen and allow farmers to sell ir produce anywhere in country. However, protesting farmers have expressed ir apprehension that new laws would pave way for eliminating safety cushion of minimum support price and do away with 'mandi' (wholesale market) system, leaving m at mercy of big corporates.