Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 13

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today blamed the ongoing farmers’ agitation against three agricultural laws for a spike in Covid-19 cases in rural areas.

“The rise in cases in rural areas is because of the (farmers’) dharnas. Many villages have seen a spike as people are coming from and going back (to dharna sites),” Khattar said while addressing a virtual press conference here today. The CM said he had appealed to farm leaders last month to suspend their agitation till the pandemic was brought under control.

Again urging the farm leaders to end the stir, he said they should understand the situation. “They say they will take the vaccine, but will not get tested. If we do not conduct tests, how will we know who is infected? Therefore, they should come forward to get the tests done,” he said, adding that everyone should have faith in the healthcare system. On the alleged gang-rape of a West Bengal woman at the Tikri border, he said the police were conducting investigation. “Whoever is found guilty, strict action will be taken against them,” he added.

Aid for BPL families

• BPL families who have lost a member to Covid in second wave to be given Rs2 lakh each
• 20% of vaccine supply reserved for frontline workers — electricity, roadways, public health staff and scribes
• Over 3,000 cylinders have been refilled and delivered to homes so far, the CM said