Dilli Chalo Movement: Police On High Alert As Farmers March To Capital City; DMRC Services Hit

Various farmer outfits are creating pressure on the Central government to roll back the three new agriculture laws.

Tight security arrangements on a Singhu-Narela border ahead of the scheduled farmers protest march to Delhi. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Despite Delhi Police' denial to hold protests in the national capital against the Centre's new farm laws, tens of thousands of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana have started their movement towards the capital city for their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation. While on their way to Delhi, the agitating farmers had major scuffles with the Haryana Police which failed to stop them from proceeding further despite heavy deployment of men and use of water cannons. However, there was no report of any violence or the use of teargas shells or batons. In the view of the 'Dilli Chalo' call given by various farmers' outfit against the contentious farm bill passed by the Centre, the Gurugram police has already issued a comprehensive travel advisory to ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience.

Security deployed at Delhi-Faridabad border in view of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest march.

Sub Inspector Prithviraj Meena says, "3 teams of CRPF, Police force from 2-3 Police stations and Home Guard jawans are here. Senior officers are making rounds. Vehicles being checked. pic.twitter.com/0QvABUQujQ — ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2020

Seven entry points have been identified in the district. Supervisory officials including Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) of the Gurugram police have been deployed there. More than 500 police personnel have been stationed at these entry points. Meanwhile, the services of Delhi Metro will also be affected today due to the farmers' movement. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued an advisory as a precautionary measure. According to the DMRC, the Delhi Metro services will be disrupted at some selected station across all its lines till 2 p.m. This will cause inconvenience at the stations touching borders. Actually, the step has taken on the request of the Delhi Police to avoid rush in wake of farmers' rally and Covid-19 pandemic. At the Yellow Line, people will not be able to avail the services between Sultanpur and Guru Dronacharya section. On the Red Line, services will be disrupted between Dilshad Gardan and Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar stations. These apart, metro will not be available at the Kashmiri Gate to Badarpur Border route between Badarpur Border and Mewla Maharajpur. However, Airport and Rapid Metro sections will remain unaffected. Along with this, services will be resumed at all sections after 2 p.m. Various farmer outfits are creating pressure on the Central government to roll back the three new agriculture laws. The farmers have formed an united front for the purpose. According to the information, the movement has received the support from over 500 organisations. On the other hand, seeing the surge in coronavirus cases in the national capital, the administration has not granted permission to hold any rally. It is also worth noting that the Delhi Police have made it clear to the farmers that do not participate in any protest. If they come to Delhi, they will have to face strict legal action. The All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh and various factions of the Bharatiya Kisan Union have joined hands and formed a 'Samyukta Kisan Morcha' to press the central government to scrap the three farm laws. Farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates. They have been demanding that the laws be repealed.