No permission given for farmer protest at Sector 34: RTI reply

Six-day peaceful protest by farmer unions at the Sector 34 ground didn’t have the permission from the UT Administration. In a reply to an RTI application, it has been revealed that the office of the Deputy Commissioner didn’t give permission to hold any sit-in on the ground to any farmer union.

“Reference to application ODCCD/R/E24/00088.., in this regard, it is intimated that no such permission mentioned in the RTI application has been granted by this office,” says the reply.

Sources claimed the unions were allowed to stage a sit-in as a prior arrangement between the Chandigarh Police, Administration and the farmer union. “See, it was a very tactical move. The protesting unions were shown many places and finally, the Sector 34 venue was picked. They agreed for a peaceful protest and the administration handled it pretty well. The situation could have turned adverse, and the local authorities should be given all the credit to handle the situation well,” said a top official. While the administration officials opted to be tight-lipped on the issue, the sources refused to reveal why the protest was allowed in Chandigarh. “Some things are better kept secret. It was ought to happen and it ended well..,” said one of the sources.

In Chandigarh, protesters have to inform the local authorities before carrying out such a massive show.

The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union (PKMU) ended their six-day protest at the Sector 34 ground on September 6 after getting assurance from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on meeting their demands. The farmer unions had reached Chandigarh on September 1 evening and held a massive show of strength the next day. They also held a march to Matka Chowk and handed over a memorandum to Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian. The administration had allowed the march after marathon meetings over two days.

Such a protest was held in Chandigarh after a gap of almost 16 years.

What RTI dated Sept 3 says

n Provide a copy of permission given by the Ministry of Home Affairs or the UT Chandigarh Administration to allow various farmers unions to hold a protest on the Sector 34 ground, starting from September 1

n Give a copy of permission given by the Ministry of Home Affairs or the UT Chandigarh Administration to allow the protest

n Issue a copy of a letter submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs or the UT Chandigarh Administration by the farmer union seeking permission for holding the protest

n Give the name of the authority and its rank who granted permission

n Details of the expenditure made by the Government of India or the UT Chandigarh Administration for managing the protest