Delhi on high alert, restrictions in Haryana ahead of farmers' protest on February 13

Digital Desk: Ahead of the 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13, which is being organized by some 200 farmers' unions, the Haryana Police has released a traffic advisory asking individuals to stay off the state's key roads unless necessary. Section 144 has been enforced in Panchkula to maintain law and order before the demonstration. 

In light of the farmers' march, the Delhi Police is likewise extremely vigilant, and strict security is in place throughout Delhi's entire perimeter.

The purpose of the march, according to the farmers' organizations Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is to put pressure on the Central government to abide by several requests, chief among them being the passing of legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. 

The Delhi Police have begun preparations and have stationed big cranes and containers at the borders to stop farmers from Punjab and Haryana from reaching the Delhi border. 

The border would be shut with cranes and containers if farmers try to cross Haryana and Punjab in any way to reach the Delhi border. 

The Haryana Police has cautioned against traveling to Punjab at this time and urged people to follow it on social media to stay up-to-date on traffic conditions. 

Additionally, the police have issued a warning of possible delays in traffic on all major routes connecting Punjab and Haryana. 

Meanwhile, the leader of the farmers Jagjit Singh Dallewal released a statement claiming that although the government is inviting communication, attempts are being made to scare us in Haryana.

 

"Borders are being sealed, Section 144 has been imposed, and internet services have been shut down. Does the government have the authority to shut down internet services? In such circumstances, constructive dialogue cannot take place. The government should immediately pay attention to this matter," he stated.

Meanwhile, Panchkula DCP Sumer Singh Pratap has issued an order to implement Section 144 in the city, following its earlier imposition in Ambala and Sonipat.

Presently, a prohibition is in effect against organizing processions and demonstrations, either on foot or by tractors.

Sarvan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, announced that a meeting with Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai regarding the demands of the farmers' groups will take place in Chandigarh at 5 pm on February 12.

On Saturday, the Haryana government ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in the districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa from 6 am on Sunday to 11.59 pm on February 13.

Additionally, extensive security measures have already been implemented on the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to maintain law and order ahead of the scheduled farmers' march.

The farmers intend to march to the national capital from the Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind, and Dabwali borders.

Haryana Police has deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces.

The call for the February 13 march came after farmers protesting on the Noida Expressway concluded their demonstration on Thursday evening following assurances from the police and authorities to address their demands.

Since December last year, thousands of farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been protesting, seeking higher compensation and the development of plots for land acquired by local development authorities.

The protest led to significant traffic congestion on the Delhi-Noida border, with all borders also sealed for 24 hours.