Farmers’ protest amid the Covid-19 crisis

The protest is likely to remain limited to the capital city’s borders as the Delhi police have not given permission for any gathering or demonstration within the city. Delhi has been under lockdown since April 19.

“We urge people not to gather as the virus could spread and the cases escalate. We appeal to the citizens to observe COVID- appropriate behaviour and lockdown which is still imposed in the city. There is no permission for gathering and demonstration due to the ongoing situation,” Delhi Police said in a statement.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an amalgam of over 40 protesting farmer unions, has asked all participants to ensure the protest remains peaceful.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh governments over allegations that protesting farmers are not following Covid-19 safety norms. NHRC in its statement on May 25 said that India is reeling under a “scary second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and these protesters are not only putting their lives in danger but also posing a risk to the others in rural areas as potential carriers of the virus.”

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