Delhi on alert as farmers protest

The Delhi Police have increased security measures in and around Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) in preparation for the scheduled Dilli Chalo march by farmers on February 13. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in outer Delhi to prevent gatherings near city borders, and it may be extended to other districts as well. A high-level meeting with the home ministry was held to discuss the protest, and police officers have been instructed to monitor for “anti-national elements” or “cyber threats.” Additional pickets, barricades, roadblocks, and structures have been set up at the Tikri, Singhu, and DND borders. The Tikri border has been sealed, with heavy deployment and thorough vehicle checks. Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora visited the Tikri border to inspect the arrangements. Restrictions and diversions have been put in place at the Singhu border, and a detailed traffic advisory has been issued by the Delhi Traffic Police. Spike strips and iron nails are being used on the roads to prevent trucks and trolleys from entering Delhi. Section 144 has been imposed as a precautionary measure to protect life and property in the area. Paramilitary forces have been called in to assist the police in managing the expected large number of farmers. In 2020, farmers staged protests at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders against the three farm bills, which were later repealed by the Centre in December 2021. The protests disrupted the lives of locals and businesses, leading to traffic diversions and regulated entry of commercial vehicles.

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