Union minister may meet protesting farmers on massive march in Noida to implement Article 144

Three union ministers are scheduled to meet representatives of Uttar Pradesh’s protesting farmers in Chandigarh this evening.The ministers are reportedly Arjun Munda, junior minister for agriculture, Nityanand Rai, junior minister for home affairs and Piyush Goyal, junior minister for commerce new delhi tv.

Farmers in Noida and Greater Noida are protesting against increased compensation and land development in exchange for acquisition of their farmland by local development authorities for infrastructure and other projects.

Gautam Buddh Nagar police today imposed Section 144 of the CrPC and issued a traffic advisory, warning commuters against diversion on certain routes.

Meanwhile, police deployed personnel to check vehicles amid heavy traffic jams at the Delhi-Noida border on Thursday following protests by farmers in Noida and Greater Noida, officials said.

Motorists spent hours stuck in heavy traffic as farmers tried to enter the national capital and police with heavy equipment were on alert restricting movement on the Delhi-Noida border road near Mayur Vihar.

A senior police officer at the Delhi border said traffic was allowed but the roads would be completely blocked if required. “Currently, Uttar Pradesh police are dealing with them and hope they will not enter Delhi,” he said.

Officials said a long queue of vehicles blocked the road in Sarita Vihar, with several two-wheelers and four-wheelers stuck in the jam. “I am going to Agra and cannot change the route now as this is the only route to the highway. It is not clear how long it will take as the traffic is very slow,” said motorist Raj Sharma said.

Officials said there was also heavy traffic congestion on the Delhi-Noida Expressway. Meanwhile, security measures have been stepped up in the national capital, especially at the borders of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, in view of the farmers’ protests, officials added.

A heavy police presence was deployed at the Delhi-Noida border. Heavy bulldozers, excavators, Vikrant logistics trucks, anti-riot vehicles and water cannons are strategically placed to deal with any eventuality when farmers get there.

Officials said the Uttar Pradesh police stopped around 150 farmers near the Mahamaya flyover in Noida. Alternative transport arrangements have been put in place and commuters are advised to avoid certain roads.

(with PTI input)