Farmers' Protest

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on March 22 stated that the Road Transport ministry has suffered a toll collection loss of Rs 815 crore owing to the ongoing farmers' protest. While the loss was recorded highest in Punjab (Rs 487Cr), Haryana (Rs 326Cr) and Rajasthan (Rs 1.4Cr) were next in the list. However, no such losses were reported in other states. Gadkari asserted that Rajasthan and Punjab officials have been asked to ensure proper toll… read-more

The Haryana Police have asked the protesting farmers to stop constructing pucca (permanent) houses at the protest sites. An official from Haryana Police stated, "We have not taken any action against the structures that have been already built. We will do so if we get orders." Recently, the officials spotted two brick-and-cement structures with thatched roofs built at the Tikri and Singhu border that were built by the farmers in view… read-more

As labourers have also joined the ongoing farmers’ protest, the farm unions have announced a nationwide rail blockade on March 13. Bharatiya Kisan Union Spokesperson Darshan Pal Singh stated, “This is our next move to intensify the ongoing protest." He added that, together with labourers, they will also protest against corporatisation and privatisation. Singh further expressed his helplessness towards the internet shutdown and FIRs against… read-more

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait was denied permission to conduct a 'Mahapanchayat' rally in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. The district administration on February 19 cited the surge in COVID-19 cases as the reason for denial. The rally, earlier scheduled on February 20 at Azad Maidan in Yavatmal city, was called to mark protest against the Centre's contentious farm laws. However, organisers have warned to stage a sit-in if the… read-more

The Delhi Police on February 13 arrested a 21-year-old climate activist, Disha Ravi, from Bengaluru for allegedly editing the controversial toolkit shared by Greta Thunberg. Disha, one of the founders of the "Friday for Future" campaign – a global climate movement initiated in August 2018, was arrested from her house. Earlier on February 4, the police had registered an FIR after climate activist Thunberg tweeted the toolkit showing her… read-more