The “Delhi Chalo” demonstration, spearheaded by farmers, kicked off on Tuesday from Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib.
Extensive security measures have been put in place along the borders of the national capital. To ensure orderliness, Delhi police have invoked Section 144, prohibiting the entry of tractor-trolleys and large gatherings. Images from various border points like Gazipur, Shambhu, and Tikri show barricades and barbed wire hindering road access.
Farmers from across India launched their protest towards Delhi Chalo today (13.2.24), amidst thorough preparations by the police in Haryana and Delhi, tasked with preventing their entry into the capital.
The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, a non-political entity, is leading the second phase of the farmers’ demonstration, advocating for a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for their produce.
Leaders have announced participation from farmers belonging to over 200 organizations in the Delhi Chalo march, with plans to converge in the national capital. While it’s claimed that farmers from all corners of India are joining, reports suggest that over 90% of participants are likely from Haryana and Delhi.
Authorities in Delhi and Haryana are making comprehensive arrangements to manage the movement of the protesting farmers.
Section 144 has been enforced at various points, including the Delhi border, with police warning farmer groups of strict legal consequences if they attempt to breach the capital’s boundaries.
Police have erected robust barricades and fencing at multiple locations and are conducting tests with tear gas shells to be prepared for any potential disturbances.
3:40 PM
On Tuesday, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud announced that the bench would make provisions for lawyers encountering difficulties because of road congestion, a consequence of the farmers’ protests in Delhi. This assurance was provided by a bench headed by CJI Chandrachud during the morning session when the court convened for proceedings. The court affirmed that if any lawyer encountered traffic-related challenges, the bench would make arrangements to accommodate them.
Today (13.2.24), Haryana police apprehended numerous protesting farmers as they advanced towards Delhi. These demonstrators were observed making efforts to breach the multi-layered barricades using their tractors and makeshift weapons. Footage from the border area depicted farmers fleeing towards adjacent farmland along the roadside as authorities employed tear gas and water cannons to scatter the protestors. Concrete barriers, iron spikes, barricades, barbed wire, as well as police and paramilitary forces, have been stationed by law enforcement at various sections of the border.
“The failure lies with the Modi government. They ought to have met the farmers’ request for a legal assurance on MSP. Another pressing demand is the enactment of the Swaminathan Committee formula. Why is the government procrastinating?. Their restriction resembles halting an invading military force from a neighboring nation. The Prime Minister of the nation should promptly heed to their demands. With elections looming, he stands to gain,” he remarked.
