Farmers to resume Delhi Chalo' march today, security beefed up in city, borders
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has beefed up security in the national capital on Wednesday and directed its personnel to ensure strict vigil at Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur borders after protesting farmers announced to continue their 'Delhi Chalo' agitation.
The move came a day after the protesting farmers rejected the Centre's proposal to buy pulses, maize and cotton crops through government agencies at minimum support price (MSP) for five years, and announced to continue with their agitation.
Traffic was hit on Delhi-Gurugram, Delhi-Bahadurgarh and several other roads after heavy deployment was made to ensure law and order.
ALSO READ: Seize earthmoving equipment from farmers' protest sites: Haryana DGP to Punjab Police
In the fourth round of talks with the farmer leaders on Sunday, a panel of three Union ministers proposed that government agencies would buy pulses, maize and cotton at the MSP for five years after entering into an agreement with farmers. Farmer leaders refused the proposal, saying it was not in favour of farmers.
Delhi Police officials said security personnel deployed at the three borders were on Tuesday asked to stay on alert. They said commuters might face traffic congestion.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the "Delhi Chalo" march.
Protesting farmers and Haryana police personnel clashed at the Punjab-Haryana border near Amabala on February 13.
The two border points of Delhi and Haryana - Tikri and Singhu - are sealed with the heavy deployment of police personnel and paramilitary forces and multi-layered barricades of concrete and iron nails. Two lanes of the Ghazipur border have also been shut with multi-layer barricades and police personnel.
An official said if required, the Ghazipur border may also be shut on Wednesday.
ALSO READ: Farmer leaders reject Centre's proposal, say they will march towards Delhi on Feb 21
Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram said there was sufficient deployment of the force, besides paramilitary personnel, at the Delhi-Haryana borders.
Another officer said the Delhi Police was prepared to stop the farmers at the Delhi borders. Security personnel have been directed to not allow even a single protester or vehicle to enter Delhi, he said, adding that mock security drills were conducted.
The Delhi Police has already stocked up 30,000 tear gas shells.
The officer said that checking vehicles on various roads leading to the central part of Delhi may lead to traffic congestion on Wednesday.
VIDEO | Visuals from Punjab-Haryana #Shambhuborder.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 21, 2024
The protesting farmers have rejected the Centre's proposal to buy pulses, maize and cotton crops through government agencies at minimum support price (MSP) for five years and announced to continue with their agitation.… pic.twitter.com/vkGcFjreHR
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Residents allege poor road condition in Murdeshwar area; warn of protest
Bhatkal: Residents have expressed anger over the poor condition of roads in and around the popular tourist destination of Murdeshwar, saying commuters are facing severe hardship.
According to locals, the road stretch from Bastimakki to Urban Bank in National Colony has remained in bad shape for several years. They said the situation has worsened over the last five months after gravel was spread on the road in the name of repair work and left unfinished.
People alleged that movement of vehicles on the loose gravel has become dangerous, and several persons have reportedly slipped and suffered injuries.
Residents said the issue has been brought to the notice of minister Mankal Vaidya on several occasions, but no clear action has been taken so far.
Locals also claimed that though many promises were made during the election period, it has now become difficult even to reach the minister.
They warned that if officials and the contractor fail to complete the road work immediately, they would be forced to launch a strong protest in the coming days.
