Experts have warned that any such gathering could turn into a superspreader event, particularly at a time when cases have been receding in the Capital after a devastating few weeks and a hard lockdown.
Farm Unions on Wednesday observed May 26 as ‘Black Day’ to observe the completion of 6 months since the farmers’ protests began at the borders of the national capital. The farmers are observing the black day by hoisting black flags from their homes, vehicles, and other places as well as by wearing black turbans and black chunni.
Farmers at Ghaziabad border protest and observe 'black day', as their agitation against Farm Laws continues. pic.twitter.com/gsnps8w2uy
— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2021
This comes even as Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are under a lockdown, given the existing COVID-19 situation.
The decision to observe black day was made by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SMM), an umbrella of around 40 farm unions. Union leaders said that farmers will observe the black day at the borders and will not enter the national capital. They urged the citizens across the nation to support the farmers by putting black flags at their homes and other possible places.
“We’re also carrying the tricolor. It has been 6 months now, but Govt is not listening to us. So farmers are putting up black flags. It’ll be done peacefully. We’re following Covid protocols. Nobody is coming here. People are putting up flags wherever they are.” said Bhartiya Kisan Union Leader Rakesh Tikait.
Experts have warned that any such gathering could turn into a superspreader event, particularly at a time when cases have been receding in the Capital after a devastating few weeks and a hard lockdown.
Tikait also added “We will burn the effigy of the government while people can protest by putting black flags outside their homes, on their vehicles. Is putting a black flag a crime? We are upset with somebody and we are using it as a sign (of protest).”
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The Delhi Police has urged people not to hold gatherings due to the COVID situation and the ongoing lockdown and said it is keeping a tight vigil to deal with any situation at the protest sites on the city’s borders. It said that action will be taken against those who try to take the law into their hands. Delhi Police PRO Chinmoy Biswal said that the force is already present at all border points, including the protest sites of Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur, and will not allow any illegal activity or entry.
Last week, twelve major opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Left parties, SP, NCP, and DMK had extended their support to the protest.
Meanwhile, India reported 2,08,921 positive cases and 4157 in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry data.
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