Border Lockdown And Internet Suspension As Farmers Gear Up For March At Punjab-Haryana Border
Following discussions with Union ministers, farmers have affirmed their commitment to proceed with the march.
In anticipation of the upcoming 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers scheduled for February 13, extensive measures have been taken to seal off the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts. The primary objective of the march is to advocate for legislation ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
To preempt potential disruptions, the Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory urging commuters to restrict travel on main roads. Additionally, mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts to enhance security.
Precautionary actions include the closure of the Ghaggar flyover at the Shambhu border and excavation of the Ghaggar river bed to obstruct farmers' access to the highway with tractors. Checkpoints and concrete barriers have been erected at anticipated gathering points, including Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts.
Despite criticism from farmers regarding border closures, preparations for the march are underway. Essential supplies are being collected, and tractor trolleys are being readied. Some farmers are relocating from vulnerable areas to evade potential detention by the police.
Following discussions with Union ministers, farmers have affirmed their commitment to proceed with the march. They have reiterated their demands for legal guarantees on MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, and relief measures for farmers.
The 2020 protests witnessed a significant turnout of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh at the Shambhu border. They marched towards Delhi to protest against now-repealed farm laws at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border points for a year.
