Farmers’ Protest: Haryana Police Holds Mock Drill As State Border Fortified For Feb 13 March

Authorities in Haryana have fortified the state’s borders with Punjab ahead of a planned farmers’ march towards Delhi on February 13. Concrete blocks, road spikes, and barbed wires have been deployed in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to deter the movement. Earlier, the Haryana government has enforced Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 districts, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people and banning demonstrations or marches involving tractor-trolleys. Chandigarh has also imposed Section 144 for 60 days in anticipation of the proposed march.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised the border sealing, likening it to the division between India and Pakistan. He urged the Haryana government to refrain from creating a ‘border’ between India and Punjab. However, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar defended the measures as necessary to maintain law and order.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced the participation of over 200 farm unions in the Delhi-bound march, seeking various concessions from the Centre, including a guaranteed minimum support price for crops.

ALSO READ | ‘Border Between Punjab And India’: CM Mann On Barbed Wire, Nails Laid By Haryana

Haryana Border Fortified, Police Conduct Mock Drill In Ambala

At the Shambhu border near Ambala, authorities have erected concrete barriers, sandbags, and barbed wires. Additionally, anti-riot vehicles and water cannons have been stationed, with the riverbed beneath the Ghaggar flyover excavated to impede vehicular movement. The Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Ambala has been designated as a temporary detention centre.

Similar arrangements have been made in Jind and Fatehabad districts, with concrete blocks, spike barriers, and iron nails installed to restrict movement. Kurukshetra has sealed its border with Punjab, with Section 144 in place until February 14.

Police conducted a mock drill in Ambala.

VIDEO | Visuals of Ambala Police conducting mock drill ahead the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march, called by farmer unions on Feb 13 (Tuesday). pic.twitter.com/Nky4zwDYaR

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2024

‘Will Protect Haryana At Any Cost’: State Home Minister Anil Vij

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning against any attempts to disrupt peace. “We will protect our Haryana at any cost,” he said, as per PTI. The Haryana Police have intensified security measures, imposing Section 144 in sensitive districts and monitoring social media for misinformation.

Farmers’ leaders have condemned the border sealing, emphasising their willingness to engage in dialogue with the government. Jagjit Singh Dallewal of SKM (Non-Political) criticised the state government’s actions as contradictory to ongoing talks with the Centre, PTI reported. He highlighted unfulfilled promises made during previous protests against the now-repealed farm laws.

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‘No Preventive Arrests Made,’ Haryana Police Says. ‘Ardas’ At Akal Takht For ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest 

Authorities have suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts to prevent the spread of misinformation. Meanwhile, various Farmer organisations have assured the police of their non-participation in the march while the Police held meetings with sarpanch of villages and khap panchayats, urging them not to participate in the march. 

According to PTI, Superintendent of Police Surendra Singh Bhoria said no preventive arrests have been made till now because none of the farmers’ bodies in the district announced support for the march. 

Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, along with other farmers, prayed for the success of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march at the Akal Takht in Amritsar.

VIDEO | ‘Ardas’ performed at Sri Akal Takht in Punjab’s Amritsar earlier today for the success of ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march called by farmer unions on Feb 13 (Tuesday). pic.twitter.com/5SqktrEZ3l

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2024

The farmers’ demands include a legal guarantee for 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.