Haryana Police issues traffic advisory, seals Punjab borders ahead of farmers’ march

The Haryana Police has released a traffic advisory, urging people to limit their travel on the main roads of the state to urgent situations on February 13. This advisory is in response to the anticipated traffic disruptions on major routes from Haryana to Punjab due to the farmers’ ‘Delhi chalo’ march. The authorities have sealed the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to prepare for the march organized by over 200 farmers’ unions. The purpose of the march is to put pressure on the central government to address various demands. Mobile internet services and bulk SMS have been suspended in seven districts as a precautionary measure. The Haryana Director General of Police, along with other officials, visited the Shambhu border near Ambala to assess the arrangements for the upcoming march. The ‘Delhi chalo’ march is scheduled for February 13 and aims to demand a minimum support price for crops among other demands. The traffic advisory provides alternative routes for commuters traveling from Chandigarh to Delhi and vice versa. The Ghaggar flyover at the Shambhu border has been closed and barricades have been placed on the road, causing traffic inconvenience. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary outings during this period. Security arrangements have been made, including checkpoints, concrete blocks, and other measures to prevent protesters from reaching the national capital. Despite assurances from Union ministers, the farmer leaders have reiterated their plan to proceed with the march. The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for minimum support price, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Source