The state borders of Haryana and Punjab have been secured by authorities in preparation for a farmers’ march towards Delhi on February 13. Measures such as concrete blocks, road spikes, and barbed wires have been implemented in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to discourage the movement. To prevent gatherings of five or more people and demonstrations involving tractor-trolleys, the Haryana government has enforced Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 districts. Chandigarh has also imposed Section 144 for 60 days in anticipation of the planned march. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the border sealing, comparing it to the division between India and Pakistan, and urged Haryana to avoid creating a “border” between India and Punjab. In defense, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that these measures are necessary to maintain law and order.
Over 200 farm unions have declared their participation in the Delhi-bound march, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, as they seek various concessions from the Central government, including a guaranteed minimum support price for crops.
In Ambala, at the Shambhu border, authorities have set up concrete barriers, sandbags, barbed wires, and positioned anti-riot vehicles and water cannons. The riverbed beneath the Ghaggar flyover has been excavated to hinder vehicular movement, and the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Ambala is being used as a temporary detention center. Similar arrangements have been made in Jind and Fatehabad districts, including the installation of concrete blocks, spike barriers, and iron nails to restrict movement. Kurukshetra has closed its border with Punjab and will maintain Section 144 until February 14. A mock drill was conducted by the police in Ambala.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij assured the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and warned against any attempts to disrupt peace. The Haryana Police have heightened security measures by implementing Section 144 in sensitive districts and monitoring social media for misinformation. Farmer leaders have criticized the border sealing, expressing their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government. They highlighted unfulfilled promises made during previous protests against the now-repealed farm laws.
To prevent the spread of misinformation, mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts. While the police have held meetings with village sarpanches and khap panchayats, urging them not to participate in the march, various farmer organizations have assured the police that they will not partake in the march. According to Superintendent of Police Surendra Singh Bhoria, no preventive arrests have been made so far since none of the farmers’ bodies in the district have announced support for the march. Farmers, including Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, prayed for the success of the “Delhi Chalo” march at the Akal Takht in Amritsar.
The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP), implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers, debt waivers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
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