Farmers Protest: As thousands of farmers converge upon the national capital for the Delhi Chalo march, Delhis borders with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been fortified with cement blocks, pillars, and heavy barricades. This movement comes as farmers intensify their demands, particularly the enactment of a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.Farmers Protest: Commencement of marchThe Delhi Chalo protest march was set to commence at 10 am, with farmers gathering at key points such as the Haryana-Punjab border in Shambhu, Ambala, Khanauri in Jind-Narwana, and Dabwali in Sirsa before proceeding towards Delhi. While Haryana Police have bolstered security measures across various borders, farmer organizations have designated these three borders for entry into Haryana en route to Delhi.#WATCH | Traffic snarls on the highway from Gurugram towards Delhi, police place concrete slabs on the road as a part of measures to stop farmers from marching to Delhi pic.twitter.com/sKQJpTqysA— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024Farmers Protest: Traffic diversions and security measuresTo accommodate the influx of protesting farmers, traffic diversions have been implemented on major roads connecting Delhi with neighboring states and the National Capital Region (NCR). Additionally, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been enforced in Delhis border areas to preempt any potential disturbances amid the mass protest.Delhi Police is vigilant in upholding law and order during the march, instituting traffic restrictions on routes linking the NCR region with Delhi.Traffic Advisory pic.twitter.com/qjnEOUohXu— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) February 12, 2024Farmers Protest: Clashes and traffic disruptionsAt Haryanas Shambhu border with Punjab, clashes erupted between protesting farmers and security forces as tensions escalated. Security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), deployed tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators.Meanwhile, extensive barricading has resulted in significant traffic congestion along the National Highway-24 near the Ghazipur border in Delhi. Arterial roads have been blocked, and vehicles redirected due to the ongoing farmers protest.#WATCH | Police use tear gas to disperse protesting farmers at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border. pic.twitter.com/h5smXJ6ZX5— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024Farmers Protest: Ongoing preparations and traffic updatesIn anticipation of the protest, farmers from Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab are en route to the Shambhu border in Ambala. In Delhi, preparations include filling metal shipping containers with soil and reinforcing cement blocks with barbed wires to prevent unauthorized entry.Delhi Police, cognizant of past inadequacies, has stationed three concrete mixer machines at strategic locations to enhance fortification efforts.Traffic movement along the GT Karnal Road has been hindered by barricades and roadblocks, leading to significant congestion along the Delhi bypass. However, traffic at the Noida-Kalindi Kunj border remains relatively unaffected.
