Chakka Jam ends: Delhi police detain leaders early morning, AIKS condemns crackdown

As protest against three contentious farm laws entered 72nd day with a nationwide Chakka Jam (road blockade) beginning Saturday morning, the Delhi police, in an apparent bid to suppress the growing protest, arrested several leaders before they could participate in the protest.

A leader told NH that Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) national treasurer and Delhi president Dr Animesh Das was picked up by the Delhi police early Saturday morning around 5 am. He was then taken to the Kalakji police station.

General Secretary of Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan, Poonam was also prevented from stepping out of her house. Police personnel were posted outside her house.

Condemning the act, IFTU lamented the police crackdown and said that the “detention is a bid to disrupt the joint solidarity gathering and is part of the Central government’s move to muzzle all democratic dissent.”

“This is a programme for which Delhi police has been given information and notice and is a bid to prevent citizens from expressing support for the massive struggle of farmers against handing over Agriculture and agricultural land to Corporate,” said IFTU.

AIKMS – an umbrella body of farm unions has also denounced Delhi police for detaining leaders.

Saying that this “highlights central government’s panic reaction” AIKMS added, “Support for the farmers is rising all over the country”.

SKM had announced that barring Delhi, the blockade will take place in other parts of the National Capital Region, and the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police strengthened security arrangements at all border points in the NCR region.

Multi-layer barricades were erected to stop the movement of vehicles at the Ghazipur border. Barbed wires have also been put up to keep off people on foot.