Farmers' protest news updates: LS adjourned twice as Oppn continues protest over farm laws

Supreme Court refused to entertain clutch of petitions demanding investigations into the tractor rally violence in New Delhi on Republic Day. The government and Opposition managed to reach a consensus on the thorny issue of discussing farmers' agitation in Rajya Sabha leading to the initiation of debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's speech on Wednesday but the AAP refused to join hands. With multi-layered barricading, iron nails on road, barbed wires, iron rods between cemented barriers and deployment of DTC buses and extra personnel on ground, the tremendous security cover at and near the farmers' protest locations have now become sites of unusual attraction. Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and urged him for a judicial inquiry into the alleged "conspiracy" against farmers protesting Centre's farm laws. Stay tuned for live updates.

Advocates launch helpline for protesting farmers

As protesting farmers face legal challenges emerging out of the tractor parade violence on Republic Day, some lawyer groups have come forward to offer legal assistance to them and have started helpline numbers.

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Lawyers urge CJI to take cognizance of MHA's direction of Internet shutdown at Delhi borders

A group of 140 lawyers has urged Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde to suspend the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on internet shutdown and ensure that farmers' rights are protected.

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Farm laws issue rocks Lok Sabha; Oppn demands separate discussion

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned repeatedly on Wednesday as the protesting opposition members demanded a separate discussion on the farm laws issue.

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Lawyers urge CJI to take cognizance of MHA's direction of Internet shutdown at Delhi borders

A group of 140 lawyers has written a letter to Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde urging him to take cognizance of a Centre's direction to impose internet shutdowns at Delhi borders where farmers are protesting against the three farm laws.

The letter urged the CJI to take suo motu note of the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and suspend the order to ensure that farmers' right to protest is protected.

Lok Sabha adjourned twice as opposition continues protest over 3 new farm laws

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned twice on Wednesday as the protesting opposition members demanded a separate discussion on the farm laws issue.

As soon as the House met at 4 PM, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tried to raise the issue of farmers' agitation, saying that the matter is maligning the image of the country.

India's reputation has taken 'massive hit': Rahul Gandhi on farmers' protest

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest against the new farm laws, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said India's reputation has taken a "massive hit" and its biggest strength, its soft power, has been "shattered" by the BJP and the RSS.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the farmers' issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible and the government needs to listen to them.

Mehbooba Mufti criticises barricading at farmers' protest sites

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday criticised the multi-layered barricading by police at the farmers' protest sites on the borders of the national capital.

Taking to Twitter to express solidarity with the farmers agitating against the new agri laws, Mehbooba said while concertina wires and trenches around farmer protest sites have shocked everyone, the sight is far too familiar for the people of Kashmir.

You talk of privatisation which will benefit them. India needs to put money in the hands of its people. Because if we want to restart our economy, it will only be through consumption. It is not possible from the supply side: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Farmers' issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible; govt needs to listen to them: Rahul Gandhi at press conference.

Farmers who work hard for us protesting at Delhi borders; why is Delhi being converted into 'fortress', asks Rahul Gandhi.

Group of academicians seeks repeal of farm laws, says these pose major threat to farming communities

Over 400 academicians from across the country and several universities abroad have urged the central government to immediately abandon the three new farm reform laws which they said "pose a major threat to farming communities all over India".

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the academicians have expressed concerns about the ongoing farmers' protests and their suffering at the borders of Delhi.

Last month, over 850 academicians from various educational institutions across the country had signed an open letter backing the legislations.

Rihanna, Greta Thunberg anger India by backing protesting farmers

Pop superstar Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg drew the ire of the Indian government Wednesday after they tweeted in support of the massive farmers' protest against new agriculture laws.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camped on the outskirts of India's capital New Delhi since November, calling for a repeal of laws they fear will allow large corporations to crush them.

Student, youth activists gather at Mandi House for march in support of protesting farmers

Activists of several student, youth and women organisations assembled at Mandi House here on Wednesday for a march in support of the farmers staging protests at the national capital borders demanding repeal of the Centre's new farm laws.

The activists of AISA, SFI, AISF, DSF, NSUI, CYSS, AIPWA and AICCTU, carrying posters, banners and placards, gathered at Mandi House for the "citizens' march for farmers" till Jantar Mantar.

SC refers to PM's statement, refuses to entertain pleas on tractor rally violence

The Supreme Court Wednesday referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that law will take its own course on the Republic Day violence here and refused to entertain pleas for time-bound probe by an apex court-appointed panel, saying it doesn't want to "interfere at this stage".

One of the pleas filed by an advocate had sought setting up of a three-member inquiry commission under the chairmanship of a former apex court judge and comprising of two retired high court judges for collecting and recording evidence and submit a report on the violence during tractor rally in Delhi on January 26.

Dais collapses atfarmerleader Rakesh Tikait's 'mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Jind.

Govt issues notice to Twitter to comply with its order to remove accounts related to farmer genocide

Govt issues notice to Twitter to comply with its order to remove contents/accounts related tofarmergenocide, PTI reports quoting sources.

Woman folds her hands in front of security at a protest showing solidarity with farmers protesting against farm laws, in New Delhi, India February 3, 2021. Credit: REUTERS

Delhi govt to help trace farmers missing from protest sites: CM Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said his government will help trace the farmers missing from protest sites and if the need arises, he will approach the Lieutenant Governor and the Centre.

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Ascertain facts before commenting: MEA reacts to Rihanna, Greta Thunberg's remarks

"The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a curt statement.

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SC refuses to entertain pleas on tractor rally violence

The apex court also refused to entertain two similar pleas related to the tractor rally violence and asked the petitioners to file representation with the government.

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Republic Day Tractor Rally: Videos show no insult to national flag at Red Fort, says Shiv Sena

"Making a hue and cry about an incident which did not happen is also an insult of the national flag," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

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Supreme Court dismisses another PIL seeking direction to the media not to declare farmers as 'terrorists' without any evidence.

SC refuses to entertain clutch of petitions demanding investigations into the tractor rally violence in the national capital on Republic Day. The Supreme court allows petitioners to file representation before the government. (ANI)

Centre, on the farmers' protest in Delhi borders, said that temptation of sensationalist comments, especially by celebrities, others are not accurate

5 extra hours added to discussion on President's address to allow raising of farm issues

Five extra hours have been added to the duration of discussion in Rajya Sabha on a motion thanking the President for his address to the joint sitting of Parliament to allow debate on the farmers' protest against three agri reform legislations.

The Rajya Sabha, which following COVID-19 protocols meets for five hours daily, will dispense with the scheduled Question Hour, Zero Hour and Private Member Business for the 15-hour discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address beginning Wednesday, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said.

(PTI)

Shashi Tharoor, Rajdeep Sardesai move SC against FIRs over Republic Day tweets

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai have moved the Supreme Court against multiple FIRs registered against them over their alleged "misleading" tweets on the violence during the farmers' tractor rally here on Republic Day.

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Centre should repeal farm laws, work towards normalising situation at Delhi borders: Mayawati

The multi-layered barricading, barbed wires and roadblocks at Delhi's borders to "threaten" protesting farmers is not appropriate and the Centre should fulfil their demand of repealing the new agri laws, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati said on Wednesday.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also said that "due to the government's attitude towards the agitating farmers, who are demanding the withdrawal of the agricultural laws, essential work of the Budget session of Parliament and discussions on special issues of public interest are getting affected".

Cement barriers, barbed wire, spikes on roads and policemen in large numbers dominate the farmers’ protest sites on Delhi's borders at Singhu and Ghazipur, while both Houses of Parliament faced repeated adjournments on Tuesday as Opposition members disrupted proceedings, demanding a discussion on the central agri-marketing laws enacted last September.

(PTI)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, journalist Rajdeep Sardesai move SC against multiple FIRs registered against them over alleged 'misleading' tweets on violence during farmers' tractor parade in Delhi on Republic Day (PTI)

3 AAP MPs suspended from Rajya Sabha for a day after sloganeering on farm laws

The three MPs -- Sanjay Singh, Sushil Kumar Gupta and N D Gupta -- have been asked to remain absent from the House for the remaining part of the day.

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Parliament Live: Rajya Sabha proceedings resume; 3 AAP MPs 'withdrawn' after they raise slogans against farm laws

The Rajya Sabha proceedings have resumed after M Venkaiah Naidu asked marshals to help the AAP MPs, who raised slogans against farm laws, to leave the House.

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Delhi Police announce cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each for info leading to arrest of Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh, Gurjot Singh & Gurjant Singh

Delhi Police announce cash reward of Rs 1 lakh each for information leading to arrest of Deep Sidhu, Jugraj Singh, Gurjot Singh & Gurjant Singh, & Rs 50,000 each for arrest of Jajbir Singh, Buta Singh, Sukhdev Singh & Iqbal Singh for their alleged involvement in Jan 26 violence.

(ANI)

A farmer stands next to police barricades along a blocked highway as farmers continue to protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms at Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border in Ghaziabad on February 2, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

SC will hear today a batch of pleas pertaining to Republic Day violence

Supreme Court will hear today a batch of pleas pertaining to the violence that occurred during tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day, including the one which has sought setting up of a commission headed by a retired apex court judge to probe into the incident.

(ANI)

Such panchayats will be held across the country until the government accepts our demands: Bharatiya Kisan Union (Arajnaitik) leader Rakesh Tikait en route to Jind to attend a Mahapanchayat. (ANI)

Centre, Opposition to hold 15-hour discussion on farmers' protest

The Centre and the Opposition parties on Wednesday reached a consensus in the Rajya Sabha to allocate 15 hours to discuss the issues surrounding farmers' protest during the Motion of Thanks.

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Centre and Opposition reach consenus over discussion on farmers issue in Rajya Sabha

Centre and Opposition reach consenus over discussion on farmers issue in Rajya Sabha. Time for debate on Motion of Thanks increased from 10 hours to 15 hours. Parl Affairs Minister informs RS about consensus. LOP Ghulam Nabi Azad says extended 5 hours to discuss farmers issues.

Today's Question Hour and tomorrow's Question Hour and Zero Hour to be suspended. Pvt Members business on Friday also suspended. Debate on Motion of Thanks on President's address to start at 9.30 AM. BJP's Bhubhaneswar Kalita to move motion.

As Rajya Sabha takes up Motion of Thanks, 3 AAP MPs rush to Well and shout slogans demanding separate discussio. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu suspends Sanjay Singh, ND Gupta and Sushil Gupta for the day. House adjourned for 6 minutes as 3 MPs remain in House.

After Rihanna, Greta Thunberg stands in solidarity with protesting farmers

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November end, demanding the government to repeal the three farm laws and legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

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DH Toon | 'Made in India' tools counter farmers' stir

With multi-layered barricading, iron nails on road, barbed wires, iron rods between cemented barriers and deployment of DTC buses and extra personnel on ground, the tremendous security cover at and near the farmers' protest locations have now become sites of unusual attraction.

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Credit: Sajith Kumar, DHNS

Heavy security deployment at Tikri border during farmer's protest against the new farm laws, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Congress MP Rajeev Satav gives Zero Hour notice in Rajya Sabha over demand for withdrawal of three farm laws

"Because autocracy has trumped democracy !" Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala replies to Rihanna's tweet over farmers' protest across India

"We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India," tweets Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg

Iron nails, barbed wires turn farmers' protest sites into fortresses

The strengthened security measures at the agitation sites across the borders come after the violence during the Republic day tractor parade by protesting farmers' in which 394 security personnel were injured.

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Internet suspension, barricades non-conducive for talks with Govt: Farmer leader

Continued internet suspension in areas on Delhi's outskirts, barricading and installation of barbed wires around protest sites by the Centre will not create a conducive atmosphere for talks over contentious new laws, a farmer leader said here Tuesday.

Joginder Singh Ugraha of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of farmers unions protesting farm laws, said this at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border where he reached with hundreds of supporters to meet Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait.

Ghazipur, the camping site of protests led by BKU since November, has virtually turned into a fortress with multi-layer barricading, concertina wires coming up around the site and deployment of large number of security personnel to prevent protestors' movement to Delhi.

Internet continues to remain suspended at protest sites on Delhi's borders with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, disconnecting protestors from accessing social media, among other online forums.

"The credit for saving this movement goes to Rakesh Tikait who has thwarted government's attempts to end it. The way government has suspended Internet, disrupted water supply, set up barricades and barbed wires around protest sites today, this will not create a conducive atmosphere for talks," Singh said, according to a statement sent by BKU's media in-charge Dharmendra Malik.

(PTI)

Twitter restores several accounts it had 'withheld' over farmer protest tweets

Twitter has restored several accounts it had “withheld” on Monday after the government had asked it to take action against 250 handles which had posted “false and provocative content” related to the ongoing farmers' agitation, according to sources.

These withheld accounts included those of Kisan Ekta Morcha and BKU Ekta Urgahan that have thousands of followers and have been actively involved in the ongoing protests, which have now resumed online activities.

According to the sources, “Twitter blocked some accounts under its 'Country Withheld Content' policy in response to a valid legal request from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.”

However, in subsequent meetings with the government officials, Twitter is learnt to have conveyed that the accounts and tweets in question constitute “free speech” and are “newsworthy” and thereafter the tweets and accounts have been “unwithheld”.

(PTI)