MHA asks states to ensure Bharat Bandh passes off peacefully

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 'Bharat Bandh' by protesting

farmers

, the home ministry issued an

advisory

to states and Union Territories asking them to take all steps to ensure that the shutdown passes off peacefully and without any untoward incident.

Sources said the advisory, sent to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, emphasised on the need for state authorities and

police

to make sure that all Covid-19 protocols and national guidelines are followed during the bandh.

The ministry has asked the state police to ensure that law and order is maintained and that public property is not vandalised in the name of enforcing the bandh.

Minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy on Monday said while

political parties

were free to back the Bharat Bandh democratically, there was no scope for violence. "Some political parties are conspiring to defame farmers," he alleged and appealed to farmers to shun the conspiracy being hatched for political mileage.

At least 18 parties including Congress, TRS, SP, DMK, AAP and Left have extended their support to the Bharat Bandh call given by farmers’ unions.

The Modi government's attempts to resolve farmers' issues relating to the recently-enacted agriculture laws have not made much headway, with farmers' unions adamant on their demand for repealing the new laws. The next round of talks between the government and farmers' leaders may take place on December 9.