Farmers protest live updates: 'Chakka Jam' proved that farmers across India are united, says farmer leader

Farmers and social activists in western UP complained of police intimidation and high-handedness after legal notices were sent to over 30 farm leaders in the last 48 hours during the ongoing agitation against the three “black laws”. Most of them have been asked to sign a surety bond promising “lawful behaviour” under CrPC 107/116 [breach of peace]. On Thursday night, social activist Savitri Chahar was issued notice under CrPC 149 (police to prevent cognizable offence) warning her to stay away from the protest.

Rakesh Tikait's Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Friday slammed the brakes on its road-blockade plans for UP and Uttarakhand, citing inconvenience to sugarcane farmers there and the possibility of unruly elements infiltrating the stir again. In UP and Uttarakhand, the union plans to submit memoranda against the new farm laws to the local administration in various districts.

The agitating farmers at the Singhu border are ready for Saturday’s chakka jam, or road blockade, and assured it would be a peaceful one, with no disruptions likely in Delhi. The protestors said they had no intentions of entering Delhi and the protest, which will be held pan-India, aimed at garnering support from the Indian states. The road blockade will mainly impact states other than Delhi, the farmers said.

The Congress on Friday extended support to the countrywide 'chakka jam' called by farmer unions on February 6, saying party workers will stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers in their protest.

The Supreme Court-appointed committee on Friday said it held consultations with the heads of state marketing boards, private mandi operators and food parks from 10 states including Kerala on the controversial new farm laws against which farmers have been protesting at Delhi's borders for over two months now.

Thousands of farmers turned up for a meeting in Shamli district in western Uttar Pradesh on Friday amid a growing clamour against the Centre's agri-marketing laws in the region.