National Security Act not to be invoked against farmers: Haryana Police

Ambala, February 23

Within a few hours after the Ambala police announced that action would be taken against the farmer leaders and protesters under the National Security Act (NSA), 1980, the police on Friday said that the NSA would not be invoked against the farmers.

A senior official said, “It was proposed, but no such action under the NSA was initiated against the farmers. After reconsideration, it was decided that the provisions of the NSA would not be invoked against the farmers.” In a statement, the IG, Ambala range, Sibash Kabiraj, said, “This is to clarify to all concerned that the matter of invoking provisions of the National Security Act on a few farm union leaders in Ambala district has been reconsidered and it has been decided that the same will not be invoked.”

He further added, “the Haryana Police appeals to the protesters and their leaders to maintain peace and co-operate with the authorities in maintaining law and order.”

Late last night, the police had stated that continuous attempts were being made at the Shambhu border to break the barricades and disturb the law and order situation. The government and private properties were being damaged. During the agitation, while 30 police personnel had suffered injuries, one had suffered brain hemorrhage, and two police men had died so far. Some farmer leaders had been actively participating and disturbing the law and order situation. To maintain the law and order, it had started the process of detaining farmer leaders under the NSA. The police had also said the loss caused by the protesters was being assessed and if any private person had suffered any damages, the details of damages could be submitted to the administration. The damages would be recovered from the farmer leaders. Their properties would be attached and accounts seized.