The Delhi Police on Friday tightened security along the national capital’s border with Haryana and Punjab in anticipation of a massive mobilization of farmers as they prepare for a massive march towards the city to demand a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). Their crops among other problems.
Senior officials said police personnel have been deployed at several important points across Delhi along with additional manpower at the border for the farmers’ march organized by various farmers’ unions and organizations with significant participation from groups like the United Kisan Morcha (Non-Political). and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, expected to begin at 1 p.m.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Ankit Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Dwarka said, “Like last time, we are arranging barriers, jersey barriers and containers. We have deployed around 400 jawans along the border and are keeping a close watch on the situation to avoid any untoward incident. .”
“All our border pickets are manned with proper barricading, and we have tied up with the UP Police for coordinated efforts. Small arterial roads are also under constant surveillance,” said Rakesh Paveria, DCP, North East.
In Outer Delhi, Sachin Sharma, DCP, confirmed that suitable arrangements have been made for any development and forces are in “ready mode”. Apurva Gupta, DCP (East) said that “skeleton deployment and patrolling teams” are in place to prevent any organized movement towards Delhi.
Currently, a large number of protesters have gathered at the Shambhu border, where they are expected to stay for the next four days. ‘We are ready to face any situation. At the moment, farmers are stationed at the Shambhu border, and we are closely monitoring their activities,” said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, another senior official said 400 policemen — a total of 800 — have been deployed in two shifts at border entry points in Shahdara district.
Officials from other districts are also monitoring the situation, making sure the protests remain peaceful as farmers prepare for any disruptions heading towards the heart of Delhi.
Police forces in Haryana and Punjab are also on high alert after protesters gathered at Shambhu border and other key locations. As the number of protesters increased, police in Ambala district issued prohibitory orders to prevent any escalation or disorder.
The Haryana Police has implemented a multi-tiered barricading system on the Punjab side, including installing wire mesh and mobile traffic barriers. A seven-tier barricade system with concrete walls, iron nails and barbed wire has been constructed to prevent sudden movement towards the national capital.
Farmers’ primary demand is a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, a long-standing issue that has fueled nationwide protests in the past. Besides, the protesters are also calling for loan waiver for farmers, pension scheme for both farmers and farm workers and no hike in electricity prices.