New Delhi: In anticipation of the forthcoming Farmers’ protest, the Delhi Police has taken preemptive measures by imposing Section 144 along all Delhi borders.
This move comes as various farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have announced plans for a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13, aiming to stage protests outside the Parliament House to assert their demands. Delhi Police Commissioner, Sanjay Arora, issued an advisory in this regard, emphasising the prohibition on gatherings and demonstrations.
The order, effective from February 12 to March 12, restricts the assembly of individuals and prohibits demonstrations and rallies. Moreover, the entry of tractors and trolleys from the borders has been barred. Provisions also include a complete prohibition on the gathering of firearms, inflammable substances, bricks, stones, and petrol-soda bottles.
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Furthermore, the Delhi Police has emphasised the ban on the use of loudspeakers during protests. Immediate orders for the arrest of violators of Section 144 have been issued to ensure strict enforcement.
Enhanced border security measures have been put in place, with rigorous inspections of all vehicular traffic originating from adjoining districts of neighbouring states, such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, and heading towards Delhi. Vehicles found transporting items likely to be used for disruptive purposes, such as lathis, rods, or banners, will be denied entry into the city.
In preparation for the protest, the Delhi Police’s IT cell has been placed on high alert, monitoring social media platforms for any provocative content related to the farmers’ march. Lessons learned from previous protests are being shared among police officers, with a focus on preventing the entry of protesters into Delhi through strategic border management.
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At the Tikri border, which connects Haryana to Delhi, preparations are underway to deploy approximately 800 to 1,200 Delhi Police personnel, along with additional paramilitary forces. Similar arrangements are being made at the Singhu and Ghazipur borders, with a strong police presence and the deployment of more than 10 companies of paramilitary forces to manage any potential unrest.
The East District DCP has initiated preparations at the Ghazipur border, connecting Uttar Pradesh to Delhi, stationing over 800 Delhi Police personnel and deploying additional paramilitary forces.
In the North East District, Section 144 has been imposed on six borders connecting Uttar Pradesh, prohibiting gatherings of more than three people. Major borders in the district, including Bhopura, DLF, and four others, will see heightened security measures to prevent the entry of protesters into Delhi.
As tensions escalate ahead of the planned protest, the Delhi Police remains vigilant, ensuring public safety and maintaining order amidst growing concerns of potential unrest.
