Farmers' protest: Chock-a-block traffic at Delhi's Gurugram, Noida borders
Vehicular traffic in Delhi was disrupted on Tuesday as farmers began their "Delhi Chalo" protest march. Several videos on social media showed vehicles stuck in jams at Delhi's borders with Gurugram and Noida due to restrictions on traffic movement in view of the protest. Traffic movement was restricted at the national capital's Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders. Measures are in place to bar vehicles carrying protesters from entering Delhi and to maintain a smooth traffic flow, authorities said.
Why does this story matter?
The protesting farmers are calling for a law that provides a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops. This was one of the prerequisites farmers set when they decided to end their 2020-21 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. Furthermore, agitators are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, along with agricultural loan waivers and pensions for farmers and farm workers. They also want 2020-21 protest-related cases against farmers to be dropped and "justice" for Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims.
Delhi Traffic Police issues guidelines for commuters
Ahead of the protest, the Delhi Traffic Police issued guidelines, especially for commuters and goods vehicles, with respect to different border points. Per the advisory, goods vehicles are prohibited from entering Delhi via the Greater Noida Expressway. Additionally, they are not allowed to travel between Haryana's Sirsa and Uttar Pradesh's Surajpur via Pari Chowk. Alternative routes have been suggested for travelers heading to Delhi from the Chilla border, DND border, Kalindi Kunj border, Yamuna Expressway, and Eastern Peripheral Expressway.
Road closures and diversions
Authorities have also placed at least 40 checkpoints in Sirsa, mainly on routes from neighboring states. The road from Bathinda in Punjab has also been temporarily shut down. Traffic has also been rerouted at several points on National Highway (NH) 9, which runs through Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The advisory urged commuters to follow the traffic police's guidelines and stay updated on the latest traffic advisories for a hassle-free trip amid the protest.
50 police, paramilitary companies stationed at borders
Meanwhile, around 50 Delhi Police and paramilitary companies have been stationed at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders. Security personnel are equipped with tear gas launchers, shells, bulletproof jackets, helmets, batons, and advanced firearms. Drones have also been deployed on the outskirts of the national capital. On Monday, the police set up check-posts in central Delhi to inspect vehicles at the Ranjit Singh flyover, Mandi House, ITO, Minto Bridge, Mathura Road, and Ring Road.
Watch: Security heightened at borders
Farmer leaders' talks with Centre remain inconclusive
Farmers on Tuesday began their "Delhi Chalo" march after talks with Union ministers on Monday remained inconclusive. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has said that the central government was not serious about any of their concerns. The government, however, said that consensus was achieved on many issues. The first meeting between the two sides on Thursday (February 8) also ended in a stalemate.
