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The Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana, a critical juncture for farmers participating in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ call, has witnessed an alarming escalation in tensions. Tear gas was deployed against the gathering farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border, creating chaos with thick plumes of smoke and hundreds fleeing the scene.
NEW DELHI: The iconic Red Fort in Delhi has been sealed and temporarily closed for visitors amidst escalating tensions surrounding the farmer protests in the national capital. The move comes as a preventive measure following the disturbing events of January 26, 2021, when protesting farmers breached barricades, leading to clashes with police and security forces.
The Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana, a critical juncture for farmers participating in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ call, has witnessed an alarming escalation in tensions. Tear gas was deployed against the gathering farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border, creating chaos with thick plumes of smoke and hundreds fleeing the scene.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have declared their intent to march towards Delhi, demanding the enactment of a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Other key points of contention include the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, compensation for farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the withdrawal of cases against those involved in the farmers’ movement.
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While an agreement was reached on these issues post-midnight, the farmers remain steadfast in their resolve, asserting that the government’s promises made two years ago have not been fulfilled.
Delhi Police has taken unprecedented measures, sealing the northern and western borders with heightened force. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was “suddenly sealed” late Monday night without prior intimation, according to an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The reopening of the 17th-century monument depends on the security agencies.
Security in Delhi has been intensified with multi-layer barricading, concrete blocks, iron nails, and walls of containers at border points to prevent the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march from entering the national capital. The Outer Ring Road leading to the Red Fort has also been barricaded to avoid a repeat of the January 26, 2021 incident when protesters entered the central part of Delhi.
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Speaking on the closure of the Red Fort, the ASI official stated, “It will be the call of security agencies.” The decision reflects a proactive approach to maintain law and order in the city amidst the ongoing protests.
As negotiations between farm leaders and the Centre remained inconclusive, police have sealed the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders of Delhi, implementing multiple layers of barricades at various roads leading to the Parliament and central Delhi.
The Red Fort, which on regular days sees an average daily footfall of 8,000-12,000 visitors, has been closed temporarily, adding to the list of over 170 monuments in Delhi protected under the ASI. These measures aim to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the farmers’ protests.
