Haryana Police slaps National Security Act on protesting farmers

The Haryana Police has initiated action under the National Security Act (NSA),1980, against farmer leaders spearheading the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' march. A press release on Thursday by police in the Ambala district, where protesters clashed with cops, said there had been persistent efforts by farmers to dismantle the barriers erected at the Shambhu border.

“Daily attempts are being made to spoil the law and order by pelting stones at the police administration and by creating ruckus," the Ambala police wrote on X.

The police also cited damage to public and government property that is being assessed.

"If public property is damaged by the agitators during the movement, there is an amendment in the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984 (PDPP Act) under the provisions of the Supreme Court in which, the people who caused damage to public property during the movement or called for the movement and the officials of that organization are held responsible for any damage caused," the press release said.

Police said proceedings to compensate for the loss to government property have already been initiated through "attachment of property and seizure of bank accounts" of the protesting farmers.

The press release also highlighted concerns over the use of social media platforms by leaders of the protest to "make provocative speeches" aimed at "disturbing communal harmony".

"Proceedings have been initiated under the National Security Act 1980/NSA against agitators and office-bearers of the unions under Section 2(3) of the National Security Act, 1980, so that, law and order is maintained and communal harmony is not disturbed," said the official statement.

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