Police forcibly arrested farmers in Pollachi who attempted to hold a tractor rally on Independence Day, demanding the withdrawal of three new criminal laws introduced by the central government.
Coimbatore: In a tense situation that unfolded on Independence Day in Pollachi, farmers attempting to conduct a tractor rally were forcibly arrested by the police. The farmers were protesting against the three new criminal laws introduced by the central government and demanding their withdrawal.
The farmers had planned to hold a tractor rally at the Thiruvalluvar Thidal area in Pollachi to press for their demands. These included the repeal of the three new criminal laws, implementation of a law ensuring minimum support prices for agricultural products, and unconditional waiver of all farmer loans.
However, as the farmers began to assemble with their tractors, police intervened, stopping the vehicles at various points. When the farmers tried to proceed with their protest at Thiruvalluvar Thidal, police forcibly arrested them, creating a chaotic scene as they were dragged and loaded into vans.
The arrested farmers condemned the police action, describing it as "anarchic" and criticizing the forceful manner in which they were prevented from staging a peaceful protest to highlight their demands. They expressed their disappointment at being denied their right to protest on Independence Day, a day that symbolizes freedom and democratic rights.
This incident has raised concerns about the right to peaceful protest and the farmers' ongoing struggles against what they perceive as unfavorable agricultural policies. The arrests have further intensified the farmers' resolve to continue their fight for their rights and demands.