Delhi: Protest site gets Covid-19 testing centre

NEW DELHI: Though most protesting farmers decided to stay put at Delhi-Haryana border on Saturday and not move to Sant Nirankari Samagam ground, where Delhi Police allowed them to peacefully protest, Delhi government has made largescale arrangements at the venue. Apart from water, meals, mobile toilets etc, a Covid-19 testing centre was also opened for the farmers.

“The farmers have legitimate concerns and should at least be heard. The bill has been passed by the Centre. It is its responsibility to deliberate with them,” home minister Satyendar Jain said on Saturday, adding that, “They are our providers, a fair chance should be given to them to put across their points.”

Jain added that the government was merely facilitating their visit, and all the necessary amenities would be taken care of.

Amid temporary tented accommodation, mobile toilet stations, fogging, erection of high-mast light and AAP MLAs and senior Delhi government officials visiting the site, the testing centre, which was opened by North district administration, witnessed an active day. “Though there were not many farmers at the ground, preparations were being made with a long haul in mind,” a source said.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who visited the site to review the arrangements, said the party was with the farmers. “I was suspended from the Parliament for protesting against this ‘dark law’. Why are farmers being treated like people from enemy countries? Why are tear gas and water cannons being used on them?” he said.

“All the farmers are asking for is to repeal this ‘black law’. Why can’t they be given a guarantee of MSP?” he asked, adding that it was unclear why the central government couldn’t talk to the farmers before December 3.

Considering the winter and the pandemic, revenue minister Kailash Gahlot on Friday instructed the divisional commissioner to arrange for water, mobile toilets and sanitation at the ground, apart from ensuring adequate accommodation, so that strict Covid-19 protocol according to the relevant guidelines could be followed. AAP MLA and Delhi Jal Board vice-chairman Raghav Chadha had also reviewed the arrangement, particularly provision of water.