GHAZIABAD: A faction of the Rashtriya Kisan Majdoor Sangathan led by VM Singh on Monday insisted that the farmers’ rally be allowed to pass through the city, taking a different line from that of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU). It was only after hectic parleys with the administration that the route was shelved.
Singh said earlier that the outfit wasn’t concerned about what route the BKU takes, and wanted to march on Tuesday through the Hapur road-RNE-UP Gate route. Later, he said after surveying the route with ADM (city) and senior police officials, he told TOI that as it was “not viable, we will join the original route”.
Jagtar Singh Bajwa, a member of the UP Gate farmers’ committee, said 500 volunteers had been issued identity cards. “It will be their responsibility to maintain order in the rally,” he added.
BKU leaders said about 3,000 tractors carrying more than 20,000 farmers will participate in the rally. The district administration has divided the city into six zones and 11 sectors, and magistrates have been deputed in each sector. Ambulances and fire tenders will be stationed on the rally route.
SP (traffic) Ramanand Kushwaha said Delhi-bound traffic from Ghaziabad will have to take the Bhowpura and Tulsi Nikatan route or go via Noida’s Sector 62. The Anand Vihar and Maharajpur routes to the national capital will remain out of bounds.