February 16 Bharat Bandh: Noida Police Enforces Restrictions via Section 144, Releases Traffic Guidelines

On 16th February, the Noida police announced the enforcement of restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which includes a prohibition on unauthorized public gatherings, across the district in response to the Bharat Bandh organized by the farmers’ collective Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other agricultural unions scheduled for Friday.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) initiated today’s Bharat Bandh due to the unfulfilled demands of the farmers, with support extended by the Noida-based Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP).

A police statement accessed by news agency PTI stated, “Various programs such as protest demonstrations are planned by SKM and various organizations for Friday. Therefore, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be in effect on February 16.”

Noida police also advised commuters traveling to and from Delhi about potential traffic diversions within Noida. In their traffic advisory, citizens were encouraged to utilize metro services “as much as possible” to minimize inconvenience.

The directive prohibits gatherings of five or more people, unauthorized processions, or demonstrations, including political or religious ones. Additionally, it restricts the use of private drones within a one-kilometer radius of government establishments and prohibits the possession of weapons such as sticks, rods, tridents, swords, firearms, and similar items in public places.

The police emphasized intensive checks with barriers installed on all Noida-Delhi borders, facilitating necessary traffic diversions.

BKU leader Pawan Khatana mentioned that during the Bandh, farmers have been instructed to suspend their activities for the day. He clarified that protestors would remain within their respective areas and not march towards Delhi.

Conversely, some traders urged both the protesting farmers and the government to engage in dialogue to swiftly resolve the issue. Sushil Kumar Jain, president of Noida’s Sector 18 Market Association, expressed concerns over the adverse impact of frequent farmer movements on everyday business activities, highlighting the losses incurred due to transport route closures.