Massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel and multi-layered roadblocks have turned the borders of the national capital at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur into a Ghazipur fortress to prevent protesting farmers from marching in the ” Delhi Chalo” march into the city. (February 13).

More than 200 farmer unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are taking part in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march urging the Center to accept various demands. Farmers are traveling to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab to join the protests in Delhi.

The farmers are demanding a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP), which was one of the conditions they set in 2021 when they agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repeated farm laws.

They also sought implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, provision of pensions to farmers and farm workers and waiver of farm debt. The farmers also want to urge the Center to provide “justice” to the victims of the Lakhimpur Kherry violence.

Also Read | ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation: Why are farmers in Punjab heading towards the capital? What are their needs? | Explanation

Traffic diversions and restrictions

Delhi Traffic Police posted on X (formerly Twitter) that diversions and restrictions will be implemented from February 12 following severe traffic jams caused by farmers’ protests last Thursday.

According to the notice, traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented at Xinhu Port for commercial vehicles starting from February 12th, and for all types of vehicles from February 13th.

Applicable for vehicles heading to Panipat/Karnal

Interstate buses intending to travel to Sonipat, Panipat Karnal and other places via NH-44 have been instructed to take ISBT to Majnu Ka Tilla and then Signature Bridge to Khajuri Chowk and then Loni border to KMP via Khekra.

HGVs intending to travel to Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal and other places via NH-44 have been instructed to take Exit No. 2 of NH-44 (DSIIDC), cut to Harish Chander Hospital, cross Bawana Road, pass through Bawana Chowk, and then Bawana-Auchandi road reaches Auchandi border to KMP via Saidpur chowki.

Diversions in Gazipur border area

Vehicles traveling from Delhi to Ghaziabad via Ghazipur border have been instructed to take Pushta Road in front of Akshardham Temple, Patparganj Road/Mother Dairy Road or Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg ISBT Anand Vihar and then from UP Ghaziabad Exit from Maharajpur or Apsara border.

Haryana-bound vehicles via NH-44 may divert to Dabur Chowka Mohan Nagar, Ghaziabad-Hapur Road, GT Road Delhi, Meerut Expressway Dasna and then turn left onto Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Diversions around Tikri border area (Delhi-Haryana)

Heavy and commercial vehicles or trucks traveling to Bahadurgarh, Rohtak and other places via Rohtak Road are advised to use Najafgarh Nangloi Road from Nangloi Chowk to enter Haryana via Najafgarh Jharoda Borderb.

Noida police imposes traffic restrictions

Noida police also issued a list of diversions to avoid confusion.

Motorists are facing difficulties commuting between Delhi and towns in the National Capital Territory due to traffic restrictions and safety measures in place. Delhi Police has issued a month-long ban on tractors, trucks or other vehicles from entering the city.

border preparations

There was a massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel to seal the borders of the national capital, in addition to multi-layered roadblocks. Police are also using drones for tight security at border crossings, an official said, adding that they were fully prepared to deal with any security situation.

A police officer said that in view of the farmers’ protest and march to Parliament, the Delhi Police has started making preparations to check the progress of the farmers’ march in advance. Multiple layers of barricades were erected along the entrance to the national capital, with concertina wire, nails and huge concrete blocks and containers.

A large number of paramilitary personnel were deployed on the Delhi-Rohtak and Delhi-Bahadurgarh roads. Outer Delhi DCP Jimmy Chiram was seen discussing the arrangements with other personnel. Heavy concrete blocks and sharp wire were used to block the road. Police are using drones to monitor the area.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora on Sunday visited the city’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to inspect security arrangements. According to the report, traffic restrictions on commercial vehicles have been implemented at the Xinhu border since Monday. The restrictions apply to all types of vehicles starting Tuesday, the statement said.

More than 5,000 police security personnel were deployed, while cranes and bulldozers carrying large containers were also at work to block roads. Multiple security roadblocks have been erected at the border to prevent farmers from entering the national capital. Officials said nails were erected on the roads so that protesting farmers’ tires would be punctured if they tried to enter the city in their vehicles.

A temporary office has been set up at the Singapore border to monitor developments around the clock. Police also blocked rural roads bordering Haryana state to prevent protesters from continuing into Delhi.

restraining order

According to an order issued by Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arore, there will be complete restrictions on gatherings of people, rallies and entry of tractor-trolleys carrying people. During the 2020 protests, farmers from different states, mainly Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, held demonstrations at three border points: Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur Sit quietly.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been implemented in northeast Delhi to maintain law and order.

Farmers riding tractors and other vehicles have been stationed at the three border crossings from August 2020 to December 2021. In 2020, the police had to step up logistics to check the entry of farmers for the tractor parade.

(with PTI input)