No tractor march in Punjab on Jan 26

CHANDIGAR : With a large number of farmers and tractors having reached the borders of New Delhi from Punjab to take part in the tractor rally on January 26, farm bodies have not planned any parade in the state.

Farmers who have stayed back in the state have been asked to intensify protests at 100 locations, such as malls, petrol stations and offices and residences of BJP leaders.

“We want maximum number of farmers from Punjab to reach the Singhu, Tikri and other borders of Delhi with their tractors. Those who have stayed back should take part in the ongoing protest at ongoing locations. We have issued instructions,” said Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, general secretary of Bharitiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan).

Farmer bodies have issued instructions to protesters to fix flags of farm unions along with the national flag on their tractors during the parade. Kokrikalan said 30,000 tractors reached the Delhi borders on Saturday; 7,000 on Sunday and more expected by Monday.

“Initially, we planned to give a memorandum to the Punjab governor on January 26, but that has been abandoned now. There would be no local marches, but farmers join those who are already protesting in locations across the state,” said Nek Singh Khokh, senior vicepresident of the faction of BKU led by BS Rajewal.

He added it would be a peaceful event as farm bodies had made foolproof arrangements for surveillance.

With no political party or its leaders allowed to be part of the protest, a number of politicians across political parties, are expected to be part of the march in their personal capacity.