Authorities Ramp Up Border Security Ahead of ‘Delhi Chalo’ March

In anticipation of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march scheduled by farmers on February 13, authorities in Haryana and Delhi have bolstered their borders with neighbouring states. Organised by over 200 farmers’ unions nationwide, the march aims to compel the Centre to address various demands, notably the enactment of a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

Key Updates:

Concrete barriers, road spikes, and barbed wires are installed along the borders to deter vehicle entry, with a substantial deployment of police personnel.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC are in place in Haryana, restricting gatherings.

Traffic restrictions at Singhu Border, beginning today for commercial vehicles and Tuesday for all vehicles, according to Delhi Police’s advisory.

Three union ministers, including junior Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, are set to meet farmer organisation leaders today to discuss their demands, following initial talks held on Thursday.

Haryana has sealed its border with Punjab at various points, employing concrete barriers, road spikes, and barbed wires. The Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Ambala’s Sector 10 is designated as a temporary detention center.

Why farmers are protesting

The farmers’ protest revolves around several demands, including MSP guarantee, implementation of Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and labourers, farm debt waivers, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Security measures have been intensified at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders, with nails added to barricades to prevent protester vehicles from entering the city. Cranes and earthmovers are also deployed to block roads.