NEW DELHI: Security has been heightened along the Ambala-Delhi border as farmer prepare to march to national capital on Friday. The march, led by a ‘jatha’ of 101 farmers is scheduled to begin at 1pm from the Shambhu Border.
The Ambala district administration has invoked prohibitory orders under ‘Section 163’ of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting any unlawful assembly of five or more people and banning processions by foot, vehicles, or other means. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
According to deputy commissioner’s orders, any public gathering or movement must have prior approval, prompting the administration to urge farmers to reconsider their march.
Here’s all you need to know about farmer’s march to national capital:
- Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced a foot march to the national capital.
- “The ‘jatha’ of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi (on Friday). What the government will do is for them to decide. We will begin our march towards Delhi at 1 pm from the Shambhu border,” said farmer leader Pandher.
- Police have set up multi-layer barricading at the Ambala-Delhi border and deployed central paramilitary forces. Senior officers are monitoring the situation, with heightened vigilance reported since Thursday.
- The farmers’ march coincides with the 297th day of their broader protest against the government. Meanwhile, an indefinite hunger strike by farmers at the Khanauri border has entered its 11th day.
- Earlier on Thursday, 34 farmers were detained in Noida while attempting to reach Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal from point zero, without permission.
- The Noida police confirmed that the detained farmers were taken into custody and sent to jail.
- This is the second such march planned this week. On Monday, farmers from Uttar Pradesh attempted to march toward Parliament but were stopped at the Noida border, causing significant traffic disruptions.
What are the key demands of the farmers marching to Delhi?
The farmers are pressing for a legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops among other demands.
Their list of demands also includes a freeze on electricity tariff hikes, justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, and additional reforms to improve the livelihoods of farmers and laborers.
Meanwhile, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have highlighted their distinct grievances tied to land acquisition. Since the initial acquisitions in 1997 for industrial development, they have sought 10% of abadi plots or equivalent compensation for their lands.