The Delhi police on Friday detained Shiromani Aklai Dal (SAD) leaders including party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur amid protests to mark one year since the enactment of the Centre's farm laws. The Akali Dal had called for the march from Gurdarwa Rakab Ganj to Parliament to mark September 17 as a 'black day'.
“Modi govt and Haryana govt stopped our workers. They resorted to baton charge and broke our vehicles. A peaceful protest was stopped. We have come here to give a message to PM Modi that not only Punjab but entire country is against his govt,” Sukhbir Badal told ANI.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi police had tightened security and restricted traffic to control the protesters. The Delhi Traffic Police on Friday alerted commuters about closure of specific roads and suggested diversions to avoid any inconvenience
Taking to Twitter just before 2am on Friday, Sukhbir Badal alleged "Peaceful Akali protestors have been stopped at Delhi borders and Punjab registered cars are not being allowed to enter Delhi.”
The Delhi Police had denied permission for the Akali Dal march to Parliament, citing fears of violence. However, the party announced it would go ahead and court arrest.
Calling the situation an 'undeclared emergency', Harsmirat Kaur Badal tweeted on Friday morning: “Strongly condemn Delhi police for sealing entry points to national capital & detaining Akali Dal workers reaching Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib. Receiving phone calls & videos telling how Police trying to foil protest march to Parl against 3 Farm Laws. It’s an undeclared emergency.”
