In preparation for the 'Delhi Chalo' march slated for February 13, organized by around 200 farmers' unions, significant precautions are being taken across multiple regions. The Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory, urging citizens to refrain from using the main roads of the state unless absolutely necessary, anticipating potential disruptions due to the impending march. Furthermore, in a bid to maintain law and order ahead of the protest, restrictions on large gatherings have been imposed in Delhi's Seelampur district and Panchkula city in Haryana.
Heightened security measures are being implemented along all borders of Delhi by the Delhi Police, anticipating the arrival of the farmer groups, particularly those from Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind, and Dabwali borders. In a bid to deter farmers from Haryana and Punjab from reaching the Delhi border, the Delhi Police has initiated preparations, including the deployment of large cranes and containers at strategic points along the borders. These measures are intended to seal off the border should any attempts be made by farmers to enter Delhi by crossing through Haryana and Punjab.
The Haryana Police's advisory also advises against travel to Punjab during this period and encourages citizens to stay updated on traffic conditions through its social media channels. Additionally, potential traffic disruptions on all main routes from Haryana to Punjab are anticipated.
Amidst these developments, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has expressed concern over what he perceives as contradictory actions by the government. While invitations for dialogue are extended, efforts to intimidate farmers in Haryana through measures like sealing borders, imposing Section 144, and shutting down internet services are observed. Dallewal argues that such circumstances are not conducive to constructive dialogue and calls for immediate government attention to the matter.
Authorities in Panchkula have also implemented Section 144, following similar measures in Ambala and Sonipat, prohibiting processions and demonstrations, whether on foot or by tractors.
On another front, Sarvan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, has announced a scheduled meeting with Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal, and Nityanand Rai in Chandigarh on February 12 to discuss the demands of the farmers' groups.
Additionally, the Haryana government has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, from 6 am on Sunday to 11.59 pm on February 13. Moreover, extensive security arrangements have been put in place on the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to ensure law and order ahead of the impending farmers' march.
