Leaders may face wrath on Jan 26; cops on their toes

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, January 22

In view of the ongoing farmers’ protest, state leaders of the BJP-JJP government slated to attend various functions to mark the Republic Day are likely to face stiff resistance from farm organisations as well as local residents.

The administrative and police authorities had received intelligence inputs in this regard and were making preparations to ensure law and order. As per an official statement issued here today, police personnel have been undergoing a special anti-riot training drive at the Police Lines here since January 12.

“The police force is prepared to tackle any situation and nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order at any cost. The police personnel are also being given specialised anti-riot training,” said Rohtak SP Rahul Sharma.

Farmers’ organisations have maintained that the political leaders should stay away from the Republic Day functions as they might face people’s wrath.

Representatives of farmers’ organisations, who were invited for a meeting with the district administration and police authorities here on Thursday, suggested that government officials or some other non-political persons should head these functions this year.

Rohtak DC Capt Manoj Kumar exhorted representatives of farmers’ organisations not to oppose leaders or disrupt R-Day functions in national interest.

“Republic Day is a national festival and it should be kept away from politics,” he said, adding that the concerns put forward by the farm organisations would be conveyed to the state authorities.

The DC asserted the organisations assured that no violent protest would be staged against the government functionaries/ministers visiting the district for R-Day.

However, sources maintained that arrival of certain leaders at R-Day functions could be opposed.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.