Ahead of the farmers march on February 13, the Delhi Police on Sunday said restrictions under CrPC Section 144 will be in effect from February 11 to March 11, 2024, news agency ANI reported. The Delhi Police stated that the decision has been taken in wake of the "behaviour and adamant approach of farmers in the past."
"Information has been received that some farmer organisations have given a call to their supporters to gather/march to Delhi on 13th February for their demands of the law on MSP and others. They are likely to sit at the border of Delhi till their demands are met. In order to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain Law & Order, a precautionary Order of section 144 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save the lives and property in the area," the Delhi Police stated in an issued order.
"This order shall come into force w.e.f. 11.02.2024 and shall remain in force for a period of 30 days up to 11.03.2024 (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier," reads the official order.
Farmers' groups, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have called for the march to put pressure on the Central government to fulfil a number of requests, most notably the passage of legislation establishing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
To prevent farmers from crossing the Delhi border, the Delhi Police has begun preparations, with massive cranes and containers stationed at the borders. If farmers attempt to enter Delhi via Haryana or Punjab, the border will be shut with cranes and containers.
In their caution, the Haryana Police also recommended against travelling to Punjab during this time and asked residents to follow its social media platforms for traffic updates.
Furthermore, the police have warned of probable traffic problems along all major highways from Haryana to Punjab.