Farmers' protest LIVE: SC refuses to entertain pleas on R-Day violence

Farmers' protest LIVE updates: The central government has directed Twitter to comply with its order to remove contents/accounts related to farmer genocide hashtags

12:54 AM

Damage to India's image by govt's 'obduracy' can't be remedied by cricketer's tweets: Tharoor

As several Bollywood and cricketing stars rallied around the government in its pushback to the global celebrities expressing support for farmers' movement, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said the damage done to India's global image by the government's "obduracy and undemocratic behaviour" can't be remedied by a cricketer's tweets.
 

India hit out at global celebrities such as singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for their support of the farmers' protests. Several Bollywood and cricket stars as well as top ministers also rallied around the government in its pushback.
 

"For GoI (government of India) to get Indian celebrities to react to Western ones is embarrassing. The damage done to India's global image by GoI's obduracy & undemocratic behaviour can't be remedied by a cricketer's tweets," tweeted Tharoor, who served as the minister of state for external affairs from May 2009-April 2010 during the UPA II government.
 

Tharoor's tweet came after cricketing stars Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri used the twin hashtags -- #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda -- to amplify the pushback to the global celebrities.
 

"Withdraw the farm laws & discuss solutions with farmers & you'll get #IndiaTogether," tweeted the former UN under secretary general.
 

Another senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said it is good that Rihanna and Greta Thunberg can wake up the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
 

12:43 AM

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.
 

According to police, a call was made by some student organisations, including AISA and SFI, to carry out the march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar at around 12 noon in support of the farmers movement and for release of those arrested in connection with the agitation.
 

Some trade unions and Congress Mahila Morcha also claimed to have joined the march, they said.
 

Their request for permission to carry out the march was rejected as per Supreme Court directions and prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144, police said.

 

12:41 AM

Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed: EAM S Jaishankar

Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, in comments that came on a day his ministry hit out singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for their support to farmers agitating against the new agricultural laws.
 

A tweet by Rihanna extending support to protesting farmers triggered a wave of support for them by a number of global celebrities, activists and politicians.
 

"Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed. We have the self confidence today to hold our own. This India will push back," Jaishankar said on Twitter with hastags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
 

In a strong response to the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists, the Ministry of External Affairs earlier said the "temptation" of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments is "neither accurate, nor responsible".
 

12:40 AM

Delhi Cong moves NHRC over 'denial' of basic amenities to farmers protesting at city's borders

A delegation of the Delhi Congress on Wednesday filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) over alleged denial of water and other basic amenities to the farmers protesting against new agri laws at the city's borders.
 

The legal and human rights department of the Delhi Congress met NHRC officials and filed a petition against putting up of barricades and denial of water, medical and other facilities to the farmers "peacefully" protesting at the Delhi borders, said Sunil Kumar, the chairman of the department.
 

"We appealed to the NHRC officials to immediately constitute a team to visit the Delhi borders to assess for themselves the plight of the farmers," Kumar said.
 

The delegation has also requested the NHRC to issue necessary directions to the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments and the Delhi Police to provide farmers all the basic facilities, Kumar said.

11:35 PM

Security cover at farmers' protest sites maybe affected as DTC buses to be withdrawn

The security cover at and near the farmers' protest locations might be affected as the Delhi government has decided to withdraw DTC buses on special hire to various departments, according to PTI.The low-floor DTC buses are extensively used for movement of police and paramilitary personnel for deployment in various parts of the city. The departments concerned have been asked to relieve the buses, officials said.

"All the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses on special hire have been decided to be withdrawn with immediate effect. It has also been decided by the authorities that approval of the government will be required now before requisition of buses under special hire," a government official said. Currently, there are over 3,700 DTC buses, out of which nearly 10 per cent are under special hire, the officials said. The development has come amid massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel on borders of the city where farmers are sitting in protest for over two months against the Centre's agri laws.

Some DTC buses that were used by police and security personnel to block the roads during tractor rally by protesting farmers on January 26, were vandalised by a section of protesters who had entered the city.

10:20 PM

Farm protests: Delhi Police register 4 FIRs against social media accounts

In a bid to check the spread of misinformation in the aftermath of the violence that broke out in Delhi on Republic Day, the Delhi Police has registered 4 FIRs against several social media accounts and also sent requests for removal of offensive posts, said an official on Wednesday, according to PTI.

According to the police, one person has been arrested and another one is apprehended for posting fake information on social media.

10:18 PM

No foreign govt has given support farmers' protest in India: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said no foreign government has given support to the agitation of Indian farmers against three farm laws, according to PTI. Replying to the questions by Members of Parliament Syed Imtiaz Jaleel and Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha, on naming the countries where such protest took place, V Muraleedharan, Minister of State (MoS) in MEA, said that in Canada, UK, USA, and in few European countries, protests by a few motivated Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) on issues related to the Indian farm laws have been reported.

"No foreign government has given support to the agitation of Indian farmers against three bills passed by the Indian Parliament. In Canada, UK, USA, and in few European countries, protests by a few motivated PIO on issues related to the Indian farm laws have been reported," read Muraleedharan's reply. While highlighting, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's comment on issues related to farmers in India, MoS said," Government of Canada has welcomed the Government of India'scommitment to ongoing dialogue with the farmers to discuss issues of concern."

9:19 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow as uproar over farm laws continue in both the Houses of the parliament, according to ANI.

8:51 PM

No foreign government supported farmers' agitation: MEA

No foreign government has given support to the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws, but protests related to these laws by a "few motivated" persons of Indian origins (PIOs) were reported in Canada, the UK, the US and in some European countries, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made a comment on issues related to the farmers, and it was conveyed to Canada that such remarks pertaining to the internal affairs of India are "unwarranted" and "unacceptable". The minister was replying to questions on the farmers' protests, according to PTI.

 

"No foreign government has given support to agitation of Indian farmers against three bills passed by Indian Parliament. In Canada, UK, USA, and in few European countries, protests by a few motivated PIOs on issues related to the Indian farm bill have been reported," he said.

8:31 PM

Farm laws: Tikait holds show of strength, warns govt of 'gaddi wapsi' ask

In a show of strength here by protesting farmers, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday warned the government that it could find it difficult to stay on in power if the new agri-marketing laws are not repealed.

 

Just before Tikait was to begin his speech at the 'mahapanchayat' in Kandela village, the stage on which the farmer leaders had gathered collapsed under their weight.

 

Nobody was reported hurt and the BKU leader went on to address the large gathering. Calling for a wapsi (withdrawal) of the three new central laws, the BKU leader indirectly warned the Narendra Modi government that it could lose its gaddi (power) if the agitation continues. READ ON...

 

8:13 PM

No extension of Internet suspension at Delhi borders as of now: Home Ministry

No extension of Internet suspension at Delhi borders as of now: Home Ministry official

8:01 PM

Farmers' stir: SKM acknowledges support of int'l personalities, says getting stronger day by day

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday said it is a matter of pride that eminent personalities of the world are showing sensitivity towards the cause of farmers, but it is unfortunate that the Government of India is not understanding their pain. The remarks come a day after international pop star Rihanna and young environmental activist Greta Thunberg tweeted in support of the farmers' agitation, PTI report said.

 

The SKM, an umbrella body of farmer unions protesting against three agri laws, acknowledged the support of international personalities towards the ongoing farmers' movement.

 

"On one hand, it is a matter of pride that eminent personalities of the world are showing sensitivity towards the cause of farmers, while on the other hand, it is unfortunate that the Government of India is not understanding the pain of the farmers and some people are even calling peaceful farmers as terrorists," the SKM said in a statement issued by its leader Darshan Pal.

 

The Morcha also asserted that the agitation is getting stronger day by day.

7:19 PM

Looks like international border', farmers on unprecedented barricading at Delhi entry points

Farmers' agitation sites just outside Delhi resemble "international border" now with authorities building makeshift walls, planting huge metal spikes on roads and deploying concertina wire fences, protesters alleged on Wednesday, even as officials defended the heavy-barricading citing law and order issues, PTI reported. The heightened security measures and various restrictions have been imposed at the three protest sites -- Singhu (Delhi-Haryana border), Ghazipur (Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border) and Tikri (Delhi-Haryana border) -- since the Republic Day violence that had left over 500 police personnel injured and one protestor dead.

 

On January 26, breaking away from the designated routes for a tractor parade, hundreds of protestors clashed with police in various points to lay siege to the Red Fort and climb the flagpole.

 

While at the Singhu border, the epicenter of the ongoing farmers' agitation, shipping containers, iron rods between barriers and cement slabs have been used to seal the entry points, the tried-and-tested barbed wires, stone boulders and iron nails have been deployed at Tikri and Ghazipur borders to block people's entry into Delhi or to the protest sites.

7:09 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 9 pm as uproar by Opposition over farm laws continues

6:56 PM

No foreign govt gave support to farmers' agitation against three farm Bills: MEA

No foreign government has given support to farmers' agitation against three farm Bills. In Canada, UK, US and few European countries, protests by a few motivated PIOs on issues related to Farm Bills reported. Canadian PM made a comment on issues related to farmers in India: MEA in Parliament (ANI)

6:54 PM

Ex-SAD leader sends legal notice to Twitter to delete Kangana's defamatory tweet against farmers

Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Manjit Singh GK has sent a legal notice to social media giant Twitter asking it to immediately delete the account of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut for tweeting alleged defamatory statements against farmers, PTI reported. The legal notice, which was sent to the Managing Director of Twitter in Maharashtra on Tuesday through e-mail, said the posts by the actress are factually incorrect and are maligning or tarnishing the image, reputation and goodwill of farmers and the entire Sikh community associated with them.

 

The notice, sent through advocate Naginder Benipal, said it was given for attacking the three farm laws passed by the Central Government with the assent of the President.

 

Referring to Ranaut's tweet, it said that on February 2, she had replied to a tweet of international pop star Ms. Rihanna who had tweeted "why aren't we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest".

6:26 PM

Farm genocide hashtags: Govt asks Twitter to comply or face penal action

Government has directed Twitter to comply with its order to remove contents/accounts related to farmer genocide hashtags, and warned that the microblogging platform may face "penal action" for non-compliance of its order, according to PTI report.

 

Government sources said that Twitter had unilaterally unblocked accounts and tweets despite specific order for blocking. Twitter is an intermediary' and is obliged to obey direction of government, sources said, adding that the platform may face penal action for not complying with government orders.

 

Government notice quoted more than half a dozen Supreme Court judgments including of constitutional benches as to what is public order and what the rights of authorities are. READ ON...

6:02 PM

India slams comments by foreign celebrities in support of farmer protests

India on Wednesday reacted sharply to comments by foreign celebrities and others, including pop singer Rihanna on farmers' protests, saying a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms and a proper understanding of the issue is needed before rushing to comment on the agitation.

 

"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.

 

The MEA's reaction came after several international celebrities and activists including American pop singer Rihanna and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg tweeted about the farmers' protest in India. READ ON...

5:36 PM

'Chakka Jaam' on Feb 6 should be postponed: Haryana Minister Anil Vij

Everyone has the right to protest but it should not affect life of common man. When Govt is ready for talks over farmers' issue and PM Narendra Modi gave them an open invitation then matter should be resolved through talks. 'Chakka Jaam' on Feb 6 should be postponed: Haryana Minister Anil Vij

5:23 PM

Farm laws: Lok Sabha adjourned for 20 mins as opposition disrupts Question Hour

The proceedings of Lok Sabha were adjourned for about 20 minutes till 4.30 PM on Wednesday after opposition members disrupted the Question Hour over the three new farm laws.

 

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

 

"We are concerned," he said.

 

Urging members to return to their seats, Speaker Om Birla said they should maintain the dignity of the House or he will have to take disciplinary actions against those who violate norms. READ ON...

5:13 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 7 pm amid uproar by the Opposition in the House, over farm laws

Lok Sabha adjourned till 7 pm amid uproar by the Opposition in the House, over farm laws

4:57 PM

Farmers protest: Delhi govt issuing list of 155 people arrested from R-Day violence, says Kejriwal

Stating that the issue of farmers missing from protest sites is a matter of "grave concern", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that his government is issuing a list of 115 people who were arrested and currently locked up in various jails of Delhi after violence during farmers' tractor rally on Republic Day, PTI reported.

 

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government has received complaints from the families of those who had come to Delhi to participate in farmers' protest but haven't returned home.

 

"This is the responsibility of the government to find those people and inform their families. The issue of farmers missing from the protest sites is a matter of grave concern. We are trying our best to connect them to their families," he said. "We are issuing a list of 115 people who have been arrested after January 26 violence and are kept in various Delhi jails. I hope it helps people looking for their family members who went missing after participating in Kisan Andolan on January 26," the Chief Minister said.

4:28 PM

Farmers protest LIVE: India's reputation has taken a massive hit, says Rahul

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.

 

Asked if India's image at the international level has taken a beating with barricading at Delhi's borders where farmers are protesting and reports of treatment meted out to them, Gandhi said, "Absolutely the reputation of India has taken a massive hit. Not only on how we are treating our farmers, but on how we treat our people, how we treat journalists."

 

"Our biggest strength, you can call it soft power, has been shattered by the BJP-RSS, their mindset," he said.

3:58 PM

Jind mahapanchayat demands repeal of farm laws

A "mahapanchayat" attended by Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday renewed the call to repeal the new farm laws, an event marred by the collapse of the stage on which the speakers had assembled, PTI reported. According to initial reports, nobody was hurt when the dais constructed at Kandela village in Jind district collapsed under the weight of the people gathered on it.

 

Tikait has been mostly camping at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border since the protests over the central laws intensified, with farmers massing just outside the national capital two months ago.

 

The large gathering at Jind's Kandela village was attended by several khap leaders. The event was organised by the Sarv Jatiya Kandela Khap headed by Tekram Kandela. Tikait appealed to people not to panic after the stage collapse and addressed them.

3:43 PM

Why Delhi being converted into 'fortress', asks Rahul Gandhi

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

3:42 PM

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

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

3:36 PM

Holding no informal talks with farmers, barricading is local admin issue: Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Wednesday said the Centre is not holding any informal talk with protesting farmers and described putting up of more barricades and suspending internet in and around agitation sites as law and order issues related to local administrations.

 

The last and 11th round of meeting between the government and 41 protesting unions, held on January 22, was inconclusive. The Centre had asked unions to reconsider the government's proposal to suspend new farm laws for 18 months. Asked when the government will hold the next round of talks and if it was engaging with the unions informally, Tomar replied in the negative.

 

"No. We will inform when formal talks will be held," Tomar told PTI.

3:28 PM

Why is Delhi being converted into a fortress? Rahul Gandhi holds presser on farmers' issue

3:04 PM

Dais collapses at farmer leader Rakesh Tikait's 'mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Jind

Dais collapses at farmer leader Rakesh Tikait's 'mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Jind

3:03 PM

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

Govt has issued notice to Twitter to comply with its order to remove contents/accounts related to farmer genocide. Content With (Modi Planning Farmer Genocide) hashtag was posted on Twitter which was designed to inflame passions, hatred & factually incorrect: ANI Sources