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Farm and Forest Rule of Law

Preventive arrests in Delhi prior to chakka jam

Delhi’s Trade Union leaders have been put under preventive arrest hours before the nationwide road blockade. Sources say police cited today’s public meeting as one of the reasons for the detainment.

Chakka Jam
Image courtesy: PTI
 

At least three leaders of various peasant organisations were detained in Delhi on February 6, 2021, hours before the three-hour chakka jam announced by farmers organisation Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).

While protesters in the rest of India geared up to block national and state highways from 12 PM to 3 PM, students organisations, women’s groups, trade Unions and similar organisations planned a peaceful solidarity protest and public meeting at Shaheed Park, ITO.

However, as early as 12:30 AM, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) received reports that Delhi Vice President Vipin was picked up by Delhi police from his residence. As of Saturday afternoon, he is still at Badli police station.

According to CITU Secretary National Secretary Sindhu A.R., police said he was picked up because of the solidarity call by the SKM.

“We have been receiving reports of such preventive arrests since morning. If the person commits an offence then an arrest is understandable but to detain a person even before anything has happened is wrong,” CITU General Secretary Tapan Sen told Sabrang India.

Similarly, the National Committee of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) condemned the arbitrary detainment of National Treasurer and Delhi President Animesh Das from his home in C. R. Park. Das was detained at 5 AM and taken to Govindpuri police station in South Delhi.

“IFTU National Committee condemns the bid to muzzle democratic dissent. All units must protest the same. Immediately send condemnation letters and messages to the Police Commissioner of Delhi,” IFTU General Secretary B. Pradeep.

He claimed the Delhi police received information and notice to prevent citizens from expressing support for the massive struggle of farmers against handing over agriculture and agricultural land to Corporates.

Later in the day, All India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC) General Secretary M. Chaurasia was put under house arrest by Delhi police at 7 AM. Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan (PMS) General Secretary and coordinators of the Saturday event Poonam Kaushik got a visit from police on February 5 night as part of the same drive.

Meanwhile, farmers across India gear up for the chakka jam to condemn the administrative repression on farmers at Delhi borders and other parts of India.

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