The Delhi government has firmly rejected the Centre’s proposal to convert Bawana Stadium into a temporary jail in anticipation of the farmers’ Delhi Chalo march scheduled for February 13. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions and preparations at the borders of Delhi as farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and other parts of the country gear up for the protest.
Delhi Government Home Minister Kailash Gahlot emphasized citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest and deemed the farmers’ demands genuine, asserting that it would be incorrect to arrest them.
#WATCH | Protesting farmers in large numbers at Punjab-Haryana Shambu border to move towards Delhi to press for their various demands pic.twitter.com/V0DKAfaUgV
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
Farmers Protest Amid Barricades and Traffic Jams
Despite the Centre’s proposal and heightened security measures, farmers remain resolute in their plans to protest peacefully in Delhi. The protest, organized by various farmers’ unions, aims to highlight their demands to the government. The planned protest, seeking to choke Delhi from all borders, has led to the Noida Police and Delhi Police issuing travel and traffic advisories.
Reports indicate that barricades have been erected at Delhi’s borders, and police have resorted to tactics such as placing large nails on roads to deter tractor movements. However, some farmers have equipped their tractors to navigate these obstacles, underscoring their determination to reach the capital and make their voices heard.
Also read – Farmers Protest: Traffic Advisory for Noida, Greater Noida
Farmers Protest 2.0: Haryana’s Temporary Jails
In anticipation of the farmers’ march, the Haryana government has converted two large stadiums into temporary jails to accommodate detained protestors. Chaudhary Dalbir Singh Indoor Stadium in Sirsa and Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in Dabwali have been repurposed.
#WATCH | Security heightened at Tikri Border in view of the march declared by farmers towards the national capital today. pic.twitter.com/FRv0CqJMob
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024
Additionally, Delhi Police has imposed section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at the Uttar Pradesh borders to maintain law and order and prevent potential untoward incidents. These measures reflect the government’s efforts to manage the growing tensions and security concerns.
Farmers Protest 2.0: Farmers’ Planned Route
Despite the challenges and security arrangements, farmers remain undeterred in their resolve to participate in the Delhi Chalo march. The General Secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Sarvan Singh, outlined the planned route, stating that the rally will commence at the Beas River and proceed to Fatehgarh Sahib before advancing towards Delhi on Tuesday.
#Farmers remove cemented blocks meant to stop them from marching towards #Delhi at #Shambuborder#FarmersProtest2024 pic.twitter.com/M9EcBL7HyD
— The Tribune (@thetribunechd) February 12, 2024
This organized approach demonstrates the farmers’ commitment to their cause and determination to peacefully advocate for their demands despite government resistance. However, with Central Government looking to stop the marching farmers from entering Delhi, potential conflicts between the two parties are expected to happen.
