Delhi's Seelampur bans large gatherings ahead of farmers' protest
PTC News Desk: Ahead of the anticipated 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13 by around 200 farmers' unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the Haryana and Delhi administrations are taking extensive precautions.
With the farmers intending to march to Delhi from the Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind, and Dabwali borders, authorities are implementing various measures to maintain law and order.
Large gatherings have been prohibited in Delhi's Seelampur district, while mobile internet services were suspended in seven Haryana districts. Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory, urging citizens to avoid main roads unless necessary, and large gatherings have been banned in Panchkula city as well.
The Delhi Police is on high alert, ensuring tight security on all Delhi borders. Large cranes and containers have been positioned at the borders to prevent farmers' entry into Delhi. If farmers attempt to breach the Delhi border through Haryana and Punjab, it will be sealed with these barricades.
Additionally, Haryana Police has advised against travel to Punjab and warned of potential traffic disruptions on main routes from Haryana to Punjab.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal criticised the government's approach, highlighting the imposition of Section 144, shutdown of internet services, and sealing of borders, which he believes hinder constructive dialogue. Meanwhile, Panchkula DCP Sumer Singh Pratap has implemented Section 144 in the city, prohibiting processions and demonstrations.
Sarvan Singh Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, announced a meeting with Union Ministers in Chandigarh on February 12 to discuss farmers' demands. Haryana government ordered the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts from 6 am on Sunday to 11.59 pm on February 13. Security measures have been tightened on the Punjab-Haryana borders to maintain law and order ahead of the farmers' march. Haryana Police deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces.
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The call for the February 13 march came after farmers protesting on the Noida Expressway concluded their demonstration on Thursday following assurances from authorities. Since December last year, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been protesting for higher compensation and development of acquired land, leading to significant traffic congestion and border closures for 24 hours.
Also Read: Haryana internet blocked, borders sealed for farmers' Delhi march
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(Inputs from agencies)