Farmers Protest: As the deadlock between farmers and the government continues over the legal guarantee to Minimum Support Price (MSP), more than 200 farmers unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are poised to embark on a march aimed at mounting pressure on the authorities to address their demands. These demands chiefly revolve around securing a guaranteed MSP for crops and implementing the recommendations put forth by the Swaminathan Commission.Farmers Protest: Security measures tightenedAuthorities in the national capital have fortified the borders, deploying a significant contingent of police and paramilitary personnel while setting up multi-layered barricades to deter farmers from entering Delhi ahead of the scheduled Delhi Chalo march on Tuesday, February 13.Farmers Protest: Union ministers engage in talks with farmers delegationIn a significant development, a meeting transpired in Chandigarh today between Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda and a delegation of farmers leaders. According to sources, the government has acceded to several key demands, including the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020 and compensation for the farmers affected by the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. Additionally, the government has agreed to withdraw all cases against farmers registered during the course of the movement, except for serious offenses.Farmers Protest: Protestors demands and procedural implicationsApart from a legal assurance for MSP, farmers have articulated various other demands, including the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waivers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. However, the governments refusal to accede to these demands has compelled farmers to proceed with the planned march, as confirmed by farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.Farmers Protest: Traffic advisory and security measuresIn anticipation of the protest march, the Delhi traffic police has issued advisories regarding diversions and restrictions to commuters. Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented, including the deployment of drones to monitor border areas, alongside the presence of police and paramilitary forces at key points. Concrete barriers, concertina wires, and other obstacles have been erected to impede the movement of protesting farmers.Farmers Protest: Noida police issues traffic advisory and route diversionsThe Noida police have issued a list of diversions and intensified security at the Noida-Delhi border in anticipation of potential disruptions. Commuters are advised to utilize metro services, while restrictions on goods vehicles have been imposed along with diversions on specific routes. Emergency vehicle access will be ensured, with a dedicated traffic helpline established for assistance.Farmers Protest: Route diversions from Ghazipur border areaDrivers traveling from Delhi to Ghaziabad via the Ghazipur border are advised to consider alternative routes such as Pushta Road in front of Akshardham temple, Patparganj Road/Mother Dairy Road, or Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg ISBT Anand Vihar. Upon reaching Ghaziabad, they can exit from either Maharajpur or Apsara border to avoid potential congestion.For those heading towards Haryana via NH-44, a detour at Dabur Chowka Mohan Nagar is recommended, followed by travel on Ghaziabad-Hapur Road, GT Road Delhi, and then onto Meerut Expressway towards Dasna, from where they should make a left turn onto the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.
