Amidst the looming threat of a re-run of the 2020 Farmers’ Protest, both the Haryana and Delhi police are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the farmers’ ‘Chalo Delhi’ protest scheduled for February 13. The Delhi Police, in particular, is on high alert, keen to avoid a recurrence of the unfortunate events of January 26, 2021, when clashes between protesting farmers and Delhi Police marred the national capital.
The farmers participating in the protest march of the Chalo Delhi hail from various states including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. Their demands include the enactment of a law to guarantee Minimum Support Price (MSP) and pension benefits. In anticipation of the protest, the Delhi Police has issued a precautionary order under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
The Delhi Police’s preparations for the Farmers’ Protest are comprehensive and multifaceted:
- Border Blocking: The Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Haryana Police, is blocking the borders of the national capital with Haryana, deploying barriers and cranes to prevent the entry of protesting farmers into Delhi.
- Cement Barriers: Haryana authorities have also installed cement barriers to reinforce border security and prevent farmers from crossing into Delhi.
- Drills and Preparations: Delhi Police officers are conducting drills and practicing firing tear gas shells in case protesters refuse to disperse. These drills aim to ensure swift and effective response in managing any potential unrest.
- Estimation of Protesters: It is estimated that around 20,000 farmers, accompanied by 2,000 tractors, will attempt to enter Delhi. Delhi Police are also vigilant about the possibility of protesters using alternative modes of transportation to evade security measures.
- VIP Security: Special attention is being paid to the security of VIPs including the Prime Minister, ministers, and BJP leaders, with police anticipating the possibility of protests outside their residences.
- Social Media Monitoring: Delhi Police are closely monitoring social media platforms to preemptively identify and address any attempts to incite violence or organize disruptive activities.
- Tractor Rehearsals: In collaboration with the Haryana and Punjab police, tractor rehearsals have been conducted to simulate the protest and practice response strategies.
- Paramilitary Deployment: To bolster security measures, 50 paramilitary companies have been deployed to block the farmers’ entry into Delhi.
In addition to these measures for Chalo Delhi movement, the Delhi Police has imposed various restrictions, including prohibiting gatherings at border areas between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, restricting the entry of vehicles and protestors from Uttar Pradesh, and disallowing the carrying of arms or weapons by protestors. These restrictions will remain in place from February 11 to March 11, 2024.
As tensions mount ahead of the Farmers’ Protest and the Chalo Delhi movement, the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies aim to ensure the safety and security of citizens while upholding the democratic right to protest peacefully. However, the situation remains fluid, and both sides are bracing for potential challenges and contingencies.