Punjab-Haryana Border Locked Down As Farmers Prepare For March; Internet Services Suspended
Despite criticism of border closures by farmers, preparations for the march continue, with essential items being gathered and tractor trolleys readied.
In anticipation of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13, elaborate measures have been enacted to seal off the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts. The demonstration aims to advocate for a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
To mitigate potential disruptions, the Haryana Police issued a traffic advisory, advising commuters to limit travel on main roads, while mobile internet services and bulk SMS were suspended in seven districts to bolster security.
Precautionary steps include closing the Ghaggar flyover at the Shambhu border and digging up the Ghaggar river bed to impede farmers' access to the highway with tractors. Checkpoints and concrete barriers have been set up at anticipated gathering points, including Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts.
Despite criticism of border closures by farmers, preparations for the march continue, with essential items being gathered and tractor trolleys readied. Farmers are also relocating from vulnerable areas to avoid detention by the police.
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Following discussions with Union ministers, farmers confirmed their intent to proceed with the march, reiterating demands for MSP legal guarantees, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, and relief measures for farmers.
The 2020 protests saw a significant number of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh converging at the Shambhu border to march towards Delhi, protesting against now-repealed farm laws at Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border points for a year.
