Security in Delhi has been significantly heightened ahead of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers, with multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls installed at border points to prevent their entry into the national capital. This tightening of security follows inconclusive talks between farm leaders and the Centre over their demands.
Police and paramilitary personnel, equipped in anti-riot gear, have been deployed in large numbers at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur border points. Makeshift jails have also been set up at specific locations in anticipation of the march, according to an official statement.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced that farmers will proceed to Delhi on Tuesday to press the Centre to accept their demands, which include the enactment of a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Despite a five-hour meeting with two Union ministers in Chandigarh on Monday ending without resolution, farm leaders reaffirmed their intention to begin the march early on Tuesday.
The Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for a month, prohibiting assemblies of five or more people, processions, rallies, and the entry of tractor trolleys ferrying people into the city, citing potential widespread tension and social unrest due to the farmers’ march.
Learning from past experiences, particularly during the 2020-2021 protests, the Delhi Police have implemented tight security measures this time. Rural roads bordering Haryana have been sealed, and barricades have been strategically placed to deter the removal by protesters. Concrete barriers have been used to secure cement boulders.
Concerns about financial losses and disruptions have resurfaced among locals and shopkeepers in Delhi’s border areas ahead of the protest march.
To manage traffic during the proposed march, the Delhi Police issued a detailed advisory, outlining alternative routes for interstate buses and heavy goods vehicles intending to travel via National Highway 44.
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, along with Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, stated after a second round of talks that a consensus was reached on most issues, with proposals for resolving others through the formation of a committee. However, sources indicate that farm leaders remain steadfast in their demand for a legal guarantee for MSP, among other key demands.