Chandigarh, Jul 21 (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday slammed the BJP government after farmers marching towards Delhi to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal were stopped at the Shambhu border, saying they should be allowed to “protest peacefully” in a democracy.
“The farmers are opposed to proposed Indo-US trade deal. I want to tell the Haryana government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to not stop farmers,” he told reporters after a cabinet meeting here.
Mann asked the government to invite farmers for talks to resolve their grievances.
“The farmers should not have been stopped at the Shambhu border by authorities in Haryana. Why repeat same things which we have seen in the past,” Mann said, referring to previous prolonged protests by the farmers at the Shambhu border.
“In a democracy, they should be allowed to peacefully protest,” Mann said. “The Centre should hold talks with farmers. The Centre should resolve their grievances pertaining to the Indo-US trade deal.”
Hundreds of Punjab farmers on their way to Delhi to take part in the Kisan Mahapanchayat to protest against the proposed India-US trade deal were stopped at the Shambhu border on Tuesday as Haryana Police erected barricades and placed cement blocks at the entry point to the neighbouring state.
Authorities in Ambala have also issued prohibitory orders in the district.
A day-long Kisan Mahapanchayat had been announced at Kisan Ghat in Delhi under the banner of “Desh Bachao Morcha”.
On Monday’s protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party, Mann criticised the police action on the protestors.
“They (BJP) make claims of being ‘vishwaguru’, but they cannot conduct one exam properly. I am surprised at this. It is not for the first time that paper leaks have happened.
“Such incidents break the heart of the youth… And when they come to Jantar Mantar (in Delhi) to protest, then they are beaten. Where will they go?” asked Mann.
“The prime minister keeps giving tips to students about how to give exams. He should also tell how to conduct exams,” Mann said, referring to the Pariksha Pe Charcha, an initiative in which the PM engages with students, teachers and parents on exams.
Replying to a question on any amendments in the anti-sacrilege law in the upcoming session, Mann said the government is discussing with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee regarding the suggestions put forward by the Akal Takht. He added that if the advocate general recommends changes, then amendments can be made.
