NEW DELHI: A significant ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, organised jointly by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is set to take place on February 13, featuring participation from over 200 farmers’ unions. The primary objective is to amplify pressure on the central government to address a range of demands, notably the implementation of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural produce.
In anticipation of this mobilisation, stringent administrative and security measures have been enacted. Section 144 has been imposed in Panchkula, and mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in several Haryana districts. According to Panchkula’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Sumer Singh Pratap, Section 144 has been imposed to prohibit processions, demonstrations, and the carrying of weapons.
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Preparations to seal the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts are also underway. The Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to avoid main roads on February 13 due to expected disruptions, recommending alternative routes between Chandigarh and Delhi.
Furthermore, mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been halted in seven Haryana districts to prevent the dissemination of false information and maintain public order. Senior police officials, including Haryana’s Director General of Police and Ambala’s Superintendent of Police, have conducted inspections at border points to assess security arrangements. Measures such as concrete barricades and road closures have been implemented at the Shambhu border, while the Ghaggar river bed has been altered to impede movement.
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Massive traffic congestion and disruptions to regular commuting are anticipated, particularly for travellers heading towards Ambala through the Shambhu border. Despite the government’s attempts to dissuade them, farmers are making preparations for the march, stocking essential supplies and readying their tractor trolleys.
Despite recent dialogues between union ministers and farmer leaders, the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march remains on schedule, underscoring the steadfastness of farmers’ demands for MSP assurance and other concessions. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai are expected to arrive in Chandigarh on February 12 for further discussions.
