As farmers gear up for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13 to voice various demands, Haryana is taking extensive measures to ensure order and manage traffic flow.
The march, spearheaded by over 200 farmers’ unions under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to press for several critical issues, including the enactment of a law to guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Key Preparations and Advisories:
- Border Seal: The Punjab-Haryana borders, particularly in the Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts, are being sealed to regulate movement and prevent disruptions.
- Traffic Advisory: The Haryana Police has issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to avoid non-essential travel on February 13 and suggesting alternative routes for those traveling between Chandigarh and Delhi.
- Suspension of Services: Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts – Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa – to prevent any misinformation and maintain public order.
- Security Measures: Senior police officials, including Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, have reviewed the security arrangements at the Shambhu border. Concrete blocks, barbed wire, sandbags, barricades, and other materials have been deployed to fortify the area.
- Farmer Preparations: Despite the government’s measures, farmers from Punjab and surrounding areas are preparing for the march, arranging essentials for the journey to Delhi.
Demands and Expectations:
The farmers’ demands extend beyond the legal guarantee for MSP. They are also calling for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and “justice” for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Historical Context:
This march recalls the 2020 protest when a significant number of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh converged at Delhi’s borders against the three now-repealed farm laws, marking a year-long demonstration for farmers’ rights.