In the precincts of Ambala in Haryana, amidst a confrontation with the agrarian community expressing their grievances, the local law enforcement authorities have asserted that any detriment suffered by governmental or private assets during the demonstration shall incur reparations through the annexation of properties and the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the demonstrators. Furthermore, the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) has been initiated against the leaders of the farming community.
As per the communication from Ambala’s law enforcement, since February 13, 2024, persistent endeavors have been undertaken by the farming associations to breach the barricades established at the Shambhu Border. Their objective revolves around their march towards Delhi, and recurrent efforts are being made on a daily basis to disrupt the established law and order by engaging in stone-pelting directed at the police administration, thereby causing disorder. Throughout this duration, considerable harm has been inflicted upon public and private assets through encroachment.
The official statement delineates, “The evaluation of the destruction wrought by the protesters on governmental and private assets is underway. Prior warnings had been disseminated regarding the potential compensation for any harm inflicted on public or private assets during this movement, through the confiscation of their properties and the freezing of their bank accounts.”
“In the event of damage to public assets perpetrated by the protesters during this movement, an amendment has been made to the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 (PDPP Act), in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court. This amendment holds individuals responsible for causing damage to public assets during the movement or endorsing such movements, along with officials of the respective organization,” it elaborated.
The statement further elucidates that as per the Haryana Public Administration’s Property Recovery Act 2021, provisions have been made to indemnify losses to public assets by seizing properties and confiscating bank accounts of the individuals responsible for the damage.
“In this context, the measures taken by the administration against the leaders of the protesters are being enforced. Should there be any damage to the assets of any community during this movement, the details of such harm can be furnished to the administration. Proceedings to compensate for the losses incurred by government property during the farmers’ protest, including the attachment of properties and the freezing of bank accounts of the protesters, have been set in motion,” the statement concluded.
“Actions have been initiated under the NSA National Security Act 1980/NSA against the principal figures of farming organizations and the protesters,” affirmed the Ambala police on X.
Meanwhile, Rakesh Tikait, the leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), conveyed on Thursday that the protesting farmers, led by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), will observe a ‘Black Friday’ to mourn the demise of a farmer at Khanauri Border crossing in Sangrur district, Punjab, during the ongoing protests.
The SKM is also planning a tractor march on highways towards the national capital, as declared by the BKU leader. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Tikait stated, “Tomorrow, in mourning for the farmer’s demise at the Khanauri Border crossing in Punjab, we will observe a ‘Black Friday.’ A tractor march was conducted yesterday as well.”
An official press release from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has urged a substantial mobilization of farmers across India in solidarity with their demands and against the perceived “suppression” of the farmers’ movement in the nation. In accordance with the official statement, “The SKM General Body (GB) on Thursday decided to orchestrate a significant mobilization of farmers, featuring a series of programs to be conducted nationwide in support of their demands and in opposition to the repression of the farmers’ struggle.”