Farmers’ siege on Delhi march, border sealed-highway jam; Protests intensify across the country against India-US trade deal

New Delhi/Sonipat/Kurukshetra. The security arrangements in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR reached an unprecedented level due to the farmers’ march to Delhi on Tuesday in protest against the proposed India-US trade deal. Farmers were stopped at many places amid tight barricades on the borders of Delhi, deployment of police on the highways and intensive checking of vehicles. Due to this, there were long jams on many national highways and common people had to face a lot of problems.

High alert on Delhi borders, checking of every vehicle-
In Sonipat district, police have made elaborate security arrangements on all major routes including Haldana Border, Bhigan Toll Plaza and Kundli Border. Every small and big vehicle is being barricaded and thoroughly checked. Stones have also been placed on the roadside as additional security in the irrigation area. Police fear that farmers from Gannaur and Gohana may also move towards Delhi in groups, hence surveillance has been increased there too.

UP-Delhi border also sealed, long jam at many places-
Uttar Pradesh Police is also on full alert in view of the Delhi march. From late Monday night, strict checking was started at many entry points including UP Gate, Apsara Border, Seema Border. On Tuesday morning, police sealed the borders in many areas including Indirapuram, Khoda, Sahibabad, Shalimar Garden and Tilamod. Due to checking, long queues of vehicles formed on many routes.

Farmers stopped in Shahabad and Bahadurgarh-
In Shahabad, Kurukshetra, police stopped farmers going to Delhi from Punjab and Ambala on the National Highway. Dumpers filled with sand were parked in front of the farmers’ vehicles and heavy police force was deployed. Despite this, the farmers remained standing on the spot raising slogans.

At the same time, on the Urban Extension Road (UER) near Bahadurgarh, the buses of farmers of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) were stopped before entering Delhi. In protest, farmers blocked the road, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. The administration was busy trying to convince the farmers and open the way.

Demand to withdraw trade deal-
Farmer organizations say that with the implementation of the India-US trade deal, the import of foreign agricultural products will increase, due to which Indian farmers will not get fair price for their produce. The farmers have demanded the central government to immediately withdraw the proposed agreement.

Farmers also left from Yamunanagar, Punjab and Rajasthan-
A group of farmers from Yamunanagar left for Delhi under the leadership of District President of Bharatiya Kisan Union Sanju Gudiyana. At the same time, thousands of farmers from various districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan have also marched towards the capital. A large number of farmers are trying to reach Delhi to attend the Mahapanchayat organized at Kisan Ghat.

Shambhu border completely sealed-
Haryana Police completely closed Shambhu border on Tuesday morning. Preparations for barricading were going on since night and the movement was stopped after 5.30 in the morning. Due to this, common people are also facing huge problems.

Demonstrations had taken place earlier also-
Earlier on Sunday, Bharatiya Kisan Union workers had blocked the Milk Majra toll plaza on Saharanpur-Panchkula National Highway in protest against the arrest of farmer leaders. Farmers also protested against the alleged lathi charge on the protesting youth in Delhi and demanded the government to find a solution through dialogue.

The administration says that the purpose of the security arrangements is to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of common citizens. Farmer organizations have made it clear that the agitation will continue until a concrete decision is taken on their demands.