Noida police on Friday invoked CrPC 144 over ‘Bharat Bandh’ incident

Gautam Buddh Nagar police on Thursday said restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including prohibition on unauthorized public gatherings, will be implemented across the district from February 16. The decision was taken in view of a protest march proposed by farmers’ group Samyukta. Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other unions.

The SKM-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Union had earlier called for the formation of a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 16 citing that many demands of farmers were not being met. “SKM and various organizations came up with various plans including protest demonstrations on Friday. Accordingly, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was implemented on February 16,” the police said in a statement.

Under the order, unlawful gatherings of five or more people, unauthorized processions or demonstrations, including political or religious events, are prohibited. The order also bans the use of private drones within a 1-kilometer radius of government agencies and prohibits people from carrying sticks, tridents, swords, guns, etc. in public places.

BKU local leader Pawan Khatana said farmers were asked to strike for a day during the ‘Bharat Bandh’ event called by the union to put pressure on the government to raise their demands. “Farmers are asked to avoid working on their farms or not to go to the market to purchase anything tomorrow. Traders and transporters have also been advised to join the strike tomorrow,” Katana told PTI.

Farmer leaders said the protesters will stay in their areas and will not march towards Delhi. Meanwhile, some traders here have urged dialogue between the protesting farmers and the government to resolve the issue quickly.

“Frequent movement of farmers adversely affects day-to-day business activities. Citizens have to face unnecessary trouble. Everyone is suffering due to closure of transport routes.” Sushil, Chairman, Sector 18 Market Association, Noida Sushil Kumar Jain said. “We appeal to the government and farmers to resolve the issue through dialogue instead of hampering the lives of ordinary citizens,” Jain added.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)