Agra/Firozabad: There were demonstrations at many places in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday to protest against the new rules of UGC. A large number of protesters took to the streets in Agra and Firozabad. In Agra, an attempt was made to move towards the Collectorate by taking out a tractor march, while in Firozabad, protesters staged a dharna in Gandhi Park. There was a scuffle between the protesters and the police in Firozabad while they tried to remove the barricades put up by the police. Three people are said to be injured, although this has not been officially confirmed yet. In Agra too, police had deployed barricades, bulldozers and heavy police force to stop the tractor march.
Why did the tension increase?
Protestors gathered at Gandhi Park on the call of All India Brahmin Mahasabha in Firozabad. After staging a sit-in near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the protesters started moving towards the district headquarters raising slogans. The police had barricaded near Vivekananda intersection to stop them. The protesters tried to remove the barricade to go ahead, after which a scuffle started between the two sides. Seeing the situation worsening, additional police forces were called from nearby police stations. Police officers reached the spot and tried to control the crowd.
What allegations did the protesters make regarding the memorandum?
The protesters alleged that the police took their memorandum and did not return it. Slogans were raised for a long time on this issue. Angered by the police action, some protesters sat at Vivekananda intersection. Due to this, traffic on the main road was affected and vehicles were queued up. Later the protesters again reached Gandhi Park and started protesting there. It has also come to light that two of the injured people were undergoing medical treatment in the district hospital. However, detailed official information regarding the number of injured people and their condition has not been revealed by the administration.
Why did the protesters take to the streets with tractors in Agra?
Demonstrations have been going on in Agra since Friday against the UGC rules. In view of the proposed tractor march on Sunday, the administration had increased security in Etmadpur area. The plan was to reach the Collectorate from Sanwai village through tractors. The police tried to block the way with the help of barricades and heavy vehicles. After this, there was an altercation and scuffle between the protesters and the police.
What happened after the police blockade?
According to local reports, police had deployed bulldozers and other vehicles at the spot to stop the tractors from moving forward. After this, some protesters sat on strike on the road itself. Later, a group of protesters crossed the barrier and moved towards the Agra-Firozabad highway, affecting traffic there. According to a report, due to the demonstration, vehicles were queued for several kilometres on the highway. Police and PAC were deployed to handle the situation and information about some people being detained also came to light.
What is the demand of the protesters regarding UGC rules?
The protesters are demanding withdrawal of the new rules of UGC. Even before this, Mahapanchayats and demonstrations have been held in Agra regarding this issue. Organisations associated with the protest say that their demands should be conveyed to the government and the rules should be reconsidered. The administration is emphasising maintaining law and order during the protest. Security arrangements were beefed up even after clashes between police and agitators during earlier protests in Agra.
