Security intensified in national capital; farmers begin 'Dilli Chalo' march to Delhi, hundreds of policemen deployed at borders

NEW DELHI: Security has been intensified in the national capital as the farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab begin their 'Dilli Chalo' march to Delhi. Hundreds of policemen have been deployed to prevent the farmers from reaching Delhi.

Barricades have been set up at Tikri, Singhu, Ghazipur and Noida borders. Drone surveillance was also introduced. The Aam Aadmi Party also demanded that the farmers' march be stopped. The party also blamed the central government's security measures for going too far. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the installation of barricades on the roads from Haryana to Delhi.

#WATCH | Heavy traffic snarl witnessed at Delhi-Noida Chilla border ahead of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march today. pic.twitter.com/PryL0CD0Dl

— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024

Farmer leaders had met Union Minister Arjun Munda at midnight last night. The minister had assured that a special committee would be formed to find a solution to the issues raised by the farmers. However, the leaders said that there was no clarity in the minister's assurance and that the strike would continue.

A prohibitory order has been announced in the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border and nearby areas. The authorities have prohibited tractors, protestors' vehicles and the gathering of people. Weapons and sticks are also prohibited. The police informed that there was a possibility of the anti-social elements infiltrating the march and causing trouble. Apart from Delhi, traffic restrictions have also been imposed in neighbouring states.

The farmers are protesting raising demands such as a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP). As per intelligence reports, at least 20 thousand farmers will reach Delhi in more than 2000 tractors. The protestors may also reach Delhi by cars, bikes, buses and metro trains.

There is a warning that farmers may surround the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda and other senior BJP leaders. Around 200 farmer organizations like Samyukt Kisan Morcha, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and others are behind the strike.