Media Urged to Keep Safe Distance During Farmers' March to Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Media personnel at the Shambhu border have been urged to maintain a safe distance during the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers on Sunday. Farmers, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are set to continue their march towards Delhi with a 101-member delegation commencing their protest from the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab at noon.

While addressing the media, the police highlighted the significance of maintaining distance while covering the protest for safety reasons.

In a statement to IANS, Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nanak Singh mentioned, "Media coverage is not being halted, but safety must take precedence. We kindly request media personnel to cover the events from a safe distance to prevent any incidents that could lead to injuries or damages."

Singh noted that during the initial march two days prior, three media representatives sustained injuries. He reported that to avert a similar situation, a letter was dispatched to the DPRO Patiala, instructing media coverage to be executed from a safe distance.

"It is at the discretion of media personnel to ensure their safety while reporting," Singh added.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher acknowledged the SSP's recommendations and stated, "The SSP assured us that junior police officers who behaved inappropriately with media personnel will be instructed to refrain from such actions. The situation is now clear for the media."

Previously, Pandher criticized the Punjab government for limiting media access near the Shambhu border.

In response to Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur's directive to maintain a distance of one kilometer from the protest site, Pandher remarked, "Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal, who once condemned the Modi government for suppressing farmers, have now revealed their true intentions."

"The Punjab government is restricting the media on orders from the Centre. We condemn this action and demand accountability from the Chief Minister," he told IANS.

Security measures have been significantly enhanced at the Shambhu border as farmers persist in their protests. Internet services in Ambala have been suspended until December 9, and gatherings of more than five individuals have been banned by the Ambala administration.

Pandher also asserted that 16 farmers were injured during recent clashes, accusing the government of neglecting their concerns.

Farmers have outlined a series of demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt relief, and pensions for farmers and agricultural workers. They are also opposed to any increase in electricity tariffs and are demanding justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Additional requests include reinstating the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and providing compensation to the families of farmers who lost their lives during the 2020-21 agitation.

Despite increased security and restrictions, farmers remain resolute in their intention to march to Delhi and press their demands, indicating ongoing tensions between the farming community and the government.