From Black Day today to mahapanchayat: protesting farmers plan mega rallies

From observing Black Day to holding mega rallies, farmers on February 22 announced a series of mega programmes to drum up support.

Farmer leader Avik Saha said that Bharatiya Kisan Union will launch Black Day on February 23, tractor rallies on February 26, and a mahapanchayat on March 14 at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.

“Starting from tomorrow, we are launching all-India mega programs. The first programme is Black Day or Aakrosh Diwas on February 23. On February 26, all over the country, there will be a ‘tractor pradarshan’ (demonstration) where we will ask the government to quit WTO. On March 14, All India Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat will be organised at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. We expect more than a lakh people to join," Saha said, according to PTI news agency.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Balbir Singh Rajyawal has demanded that a murder case be registered against Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar and home minister Anil for the death of a farmer who died during a protest at the Haryana border.

"Haryana Police entered Punjab, fired at us and also broke our tractors. A case under section 302 IPC should be registered against Haryana CM and Haryana's home minister. Judicial inquiry should be conducted (into the death of a farmer). On 14th March, a 'mahapanchayat' of farmers will be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi," he said, according to ANI news agency.

Thousands of farmers are camped at Khanauri and Shambhu, bringing their tractor-trolleys and trucks.

Farmer leaders put the march on hold for two days on Wednesday after a protester was killed and 12 police personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri.