New Delhi: Protesting farmers from various unions continued their march towards the national capital on Wednesday. Delhi Police, deployed at the borders, are maintaining law and order amid the farmers' 'Delhi chalo' call, as reported by various media outlets.
A significant deployment of police and paramilitary personnel, along with multi-layered barricades, is in place at the Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders to seal off the national capital.
Central Delhi is under heavy security cover, with personnel in anti-riot gear strategically deployed, and metal and concrete barricades regulating access to key roads.
On Tuesday, the Delhi Metro regulated passengers' entry and exit at nine stations by shutting some gates for several hours in view of the farmers' march towards the capital.
Tear gas was used by police to deter thousands of farmers demanding minimum crop prices from advancing towards New Delhi after unsuccessful negotiations with the government. Police dispersed protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala, approximately 200 kilometers north of the capital, using thick clouds of tear gas. Drones were also deployed to drop tear gas canisters from the air.
While the police are not actively impeding the movement of farmers from the state towards Delhi, a state of high alert has been declared in Punjab, with approximately 70% of the entire state police force instructed to remain on duty in the field.
Farmers are protesting to compel the Centre to address their demands, which include legislation to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) and the enforcement of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. They also seek pensions for farmers and agricultural workers, as well as the forgiveness of farm debts. Additionally, they demand justice for the victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.