New Delhi: The Delhi Police have ramped up security measures deployed at the city's Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur border points and conducted mock drills on Tuesday in anticipation of the proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march by protesting farmers on Wednesday. Delhi Police officials said security personnel deployed on Tuesday at the city's three border points to remain on high alert. They also mentioned that the commuters might face traffic congestion, news agency PTI reported.
The move came a day after the protesting farmers rejected the Centre's proposal to buy pulses, maize, and cotton crops through government agencies at minimum support price (MSP) for five years.
During the fourth round of discussions between farmer leaders and a panel of three Union ministers on Sunday, a proposal was put forth suggesting that government agencies would procure pulses, maize, and cotton at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for a period of five years through agreements with farmers. However, Farmer leaders refused the proposal, saying it was not in favour of farmers.
Earlier in the day, Protesting farmers were detained in Haryana's Manesar earlier today while trying to march towards Delhi.
Meanwhile, Farmers clean the site of protest at Shambhu border (Punjab- Haryana) ahead of Delhi Chalo March.
Farmers To March Towards Delhi On Feb 21
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the 'Delhi Chalo' march. The clash between protesting farmers and Haryana police personnel occurred at the Punjab-Haryana border near Ambala on February 13th, as per PTI.
Barricades Of Concrete, Iron Nails, 30,000 Tear Gas Shells Among Security Prep At Delhi Border
The border crossings between Delhi and Haryana at Tikri and Singhu - are sealed with the heavy deployment of police personnel and multi-layered barricades of concrete and iron nails. Additionally, at the Ghazipur border, two lanes have been sealed off using similar barricades, with law enforcement officers closely monitoring the area. Authorities have signaled the potential closure of the Ghazipur border on Wednesday, if deemed essential for maintaining security, reported PTI.
"There was sufficient deployment of the force, besides paramilitary personnel, at the Delhi-Haryana borders", PTI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram as saying.
Another official affirmed the readiness of the Delhi Police to stop the farmers at the Delhi borders. They emphasised strict directives for security personnel to block any protester or vehicle from entering Delhi. Mock security drills were conducted as part of the preparation.
Furthermore, the Delhi Police has accumulated 30,000 tear gas shells in their preparedness for potential unrest, as per PTI.
Haryana Police Asks Punjab Counterparts To Seize Bulldozers
According to PTI, Haryana Police on Tuesday asked its Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers which they say protesting farmers from Punjab have brought with them as they plan to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' from the interstate border.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Punjab government to prevent large gatherings of farmers, emphasizing that tractor-trolleys are not permitted on highways according to the Motor Vehicles Act. The court suggested that farmers use buses or public transport to travel to Delhi instead.
In a separate move, the Haryana Director General of Police has urgently instructed the Punjab Police to seize all bulldozers and earthmoving equipment allegedly obtained by farmers. These actions highlight efforts to manage the ongoing protests and enforce relevant regulations, as per PTI.