Amidst the urban landscape of New Delhi, the Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur perimeters find themselves enveloped in a heightened state of alertness as the umbrella entities spearheading the farmers’ agitation issue a resonating call for farmers nationwide to converge upon the capital. Vigilant law enforcement officials diligently scrutinize vehicles traversing the Tikri and Singhu borders, leading to extensive queues forming at these junctures.
The break of dawn witnesses a substantial bottleneck at the Singhu border, connecting Delhi and Haryana, as farmers congregate, as per reports. Delhi Police asserts its unwavering commitment to maintaining stringent surveillance not only at Tikri, Singhu, and Ghazipur borders but also across railway stations, metro stations, and bus terminals.
A spokesperson for the law enforcement agency elucidates, “Security measures at all three borders have been intensified. However, there is no intention to seal any border or route; instead, rigorous vehicle inspections will be conducted.” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Jimmy Chiram affirms the preemptive deployment of forces at the Delhi-Haryana border, stating, “We are closely monitoring the unfolding scenario in response to the farmers’ call.”
In anticipation of farmers utilizing public transport such as trains and buses, additional police and paramilitary forces stand guard at railway and metro stations, as well as bus stands. The officer emphasizes the existing imposition of Section 144 in Delhi, asserting, “Any form of congregation or assembly will not be permitted within the city limits.”
The call to action emanated from prominent farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal. These leaders also advocate for a nationwide ‘rail roko’ agitation scheduled for March 10, advocating for various demands, including the statutory assurance of a minimum support price for agricultural produce.
Conversely, the United Kisan Morcha (SKM) delineates plans for a grand Mahapanchayat at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on March 14, labeled as the Kisan-Mazdur Mahapanchayat, poised to witness participation from farmers nationwide.
Multiple rounds of dialogue between the central government and farmer union leaders have transpired. In the latest discourse, a triumvirate of Union ministers presented an offer to procure five crops – moong dal, urad dal, tur dal, maize, and cotton – at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for a period of five years through central agencies. Despite this proposition, the protesting farmers rebuffed the demand, opting to return to their designated protest sites.