Modi's MP visit: Villagers stripped of 'black' cloths, but DM receives PM in black suit

BHOPAL: An overcautious Madhya Pradesh police stopped and stripped villagers of every single black cloth, including handkerchiefs, shirts and scarfs, who wanted to be a part of Mohanpura irrigation project’s inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajgarh district on Saturday. But interestingly, Rajgarh district collector Karamveer Sharma was seen in a black attire while welcoming Modi. People wearing or carrying black cloths were asked to leave them outside before being given entry on grounds that they had orders to do so from higher authorities, said sources. This was attributed to the state police force exercising extra-caution due to the ongoing agitation where Mohanpura farmers were prone to waving black to register their protest inadequate compensation. On Thursday they had raised black flags on trees in Mohanpura which was cleared off by the district administration swiftly. Protestors were also wearing black scarf that day. Their whole village was cordoned off by the state police on Friday itself. "A strict anti-black protocol was witnessed in PM's meet. This is against the constitution. Everyone has a right to choose colour of his cloths. If black, is perceived as the colour of protest why was the Rajgarh collector allowed to wear a black dress," said social activist Ajay Dubey. "It seems the collector also had something to his protest", he said taking a dig on the arrangement of state police. Police said that not all people wearing black were barred entry. "Those people who were found suspicious of creating mischief were asked to deposit black clothing outside. This was done mainly to ward off potential trouble makers", said an official wishing anonymity. State water resource minister Narrotam Mishra had on Friday assured adequate compensation to the displaced farmers. They were also counselled by the local administration and were asked to stay calm. Additional police force was deployed around their villages to ensure Modi’s smooth visit. Mohanpura irrigation project worth is Rs 3,866 crore and it includes a dam and a canal system, would benefit 727 villages in Madhya Pradesh. Source: Times of India