Delhi Chalo march: Punjab-Haryana border sealed at Ambala, section 144 imposed in national capital

Farmers during a protest march to national capital in Noida. File Pic/PTI

Delhi police on Sunday issued orders prohibiting gatherings of public at all borders between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march called by the farmers. The police have also barred the entry of tractors, trolleys, buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles into the National Capital from Uttar Pradesh, reported ANI.

The order that has been enforced today will remain in force up until March 11, unless withdrawn earlier, read the official statement by Delhi police. As per the order, no protestor would be allowed to bear arms, including firearms, swords, trishuls, spears, rods, etc.

The order was promoted after Delhi police said they received information that some farmer organisations had given a call to their supporters to gather in the National Capital on February 13.

As per ANI report, the Delhi police's order read, "Information has been received that some farmer organisations have given a call to their supporters to gather in Delhi on February 13 for their demands of the law on MSP and others. They are likely to sit at the border of Delhi until their demands are met. In order to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain law and order, a precautionary order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, is required to be issued to save lives and property in the area."

Meanwhile, Haryana authorities have sealed the state's border with Punjab at Shambhu near Ambala district, placing concrete blocks, sandbags, barbed wire and anti-riot vehicles on the road ahead of the farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march, reported news wire PTI. Police have also made elaborate arrangements at the state's borders with Punjab in Jind and Fatehabad districts to stop the march.

PTI report added that the Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts -- Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa -- from February 11 to 13, in order to avoid disturbance of peace because of the farmers protest march.

Security has also been increased near the Tikri border amid calls issued by farmer organisations to march to Delhi.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha had announced the 'Delhi Chalo' march by more than 200 farmers' unions on February 13 to press the Centre into accepting several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

(With Inputs from PTI and ANI)