On Wednesday, Haryana Police announced they have begun the process of revoking visas and passports of protesters accused of vandalising public property during the ongoing farmers protests.
Joginder Singh, Ambala Deputy Superintendent of Police, clarified that not all protesters engaged in such activities, but action is being taken against those identified through CCTV, drones, or videography footage.
“Losses incurred to public and private properties are being recovered by seizing farmer leaders’ houses and freezing their bank accounts.”
Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) Haryana spokesperson, Tejveer Singh, expressed concern over police surveillance of protesters, stating it as a response to their legitimate grievances against the government.
On February 13th, farmers from Punjab initiated a march to Delhi demanding enforcement of MSP and implementation of the MS Swaminathan Commission Report’s recommendations, however, the Haryana Police used water cannons and tear gas shells to deter them, an action that still continues.
Farmers from various regions, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, continue to join the protest at the Punjab-Haryana border.
The recent farmers’ protest in India has been marred by tragedy and controversy, notably with the temporary suspension of the march following the death of 22-year-old protester Shubhkaran Singh on February 21.
The Punjab Police filed a zero FIR in Singh’s case, allowing the complaint to be lodged at any police station and later transferred for investigation.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Sukhchain Singh Gill consulted legal experts before initiating the zero FIR.
Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher confirmed the lodging of FIR under sections 302 and 114 of the Indian Penal Code, stating that Singh’s last rites will be performed in his native village.