New Delhi: The protesting farmers from Haryana and Punjab have commenced their “Dilli Chalo” march from the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border on Sunday afternoon. The protest is expected to significantly impact traffic flow in and around the capital, leading to heightened vigilance by Delhi Police at all the entries of the national capital.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, speaking before the march commenced from the Shambhu border, highlighted the long duration of the ongoing protest, emphasising that the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) have been protesting for over 300 days.
He voiced their continued frustration with the central government’s perceived lack of action on their demands. “The protest of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) have entered the 300th day. But the central government is still adamant,” Pandher said.
Beyond their core demands, Pandher announced an additional element of protest. He declared their intention to oppose the entry of BJP leaders into Punjab, specifically mentioning Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who are reportedly planning visits to Amritsar. “Another big announcement we made was that we will oppose the entry of BJP leaders in Punjab. We are not sure but we have heard that Saini (Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini) and Gadkari (Union Minister Nitin Gadkari) are going to Amritsar. We call out the farmers of Punjab to oppose their entry into the state…,” he added.
Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive security and traffic management plan in anticipation of the march. A senior police officer confirmed that security measures have been tightened at the Singhu border and that deployments will be adjusted based on the developing situation at the Shambhu border. “Delhi Police is on alert and security has been tightened at the Singhu border. A skeletal deployment has been made at the Singhu border but it may increase as per the situation at the Shambu border,” a senior police officer told news agency PTI.
