Delhi bans large gatherings before farmers’ march, borders fortified

PTC News Desk: As farmers gear up for their 'Delhi Chalo' march scheduled for February 13 (Tuesday), authorities in Haryana and Delhi have bolstered border security measures. Concrete blocks, road spike barriers, and barbed wires have been deployed to deter farmers from entering the national capital.

To counter these obstacles, farmers have adapted their tractors with hydraulic tools to remove barricades and boulders placed by police on highways. Central intelligence agencies have flagged concerns, anticipating a massive movement of over 5,000 tractors carrying around 25,000 farmers from Punjab and Haryana districts.

These modified vehicles are equipped with fire-resistant hard-shell trailers and have undergone training drills to navigate tear gas shells. The horsepower of the tractors has been doubled to transport a larger number of protesting farmers to the site.

Organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and various farmer associations, the protest aims to press demands for the implementation of a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

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In response, the Haryana government has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 districts, restricting gatherings of five or more people. Chandigarh has also enforced Section 144 for 60 days. At border points like Shambhu near Ambala, authorities have fortified roads with concrete blocks, sandbags, and anti-riot vehicles.

To prevent disruptions, iron sheets have been installed along the Ghaggar flyover, and water cannons along with Vajra vehicles have been stationed. Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven Haryana districts from February 11 to 13 to maintain order during the protests.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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