As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation by farmers entered its third day on Thursday, significant security measures were put in place in Delhi. Two critical border points between Delhi and Haryana – Tikri and Singhu – remained closed for traffic, while heightened security was observed in the national capital.
The Ghazipur border with Uttar Pradesh was the only route open for movement, carefully monitored by security personnel. Despite the intense vigilance, a significant presence of security personnel has been reported near the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana near Ambala.
In the central regions of Delhi, barricades have been erected on roads leading to Parliament and other sensitive locations. The Delhi Police has reinforced multiple layers of barricades, barbed wires, and concrete blocks at the Tikri and Singhu borders to prevent the entry of protesting farmers into the capital.
Amidst this unrest, a meeting is scheduled with three Union ministers in Chandigarh on Thursday. Following this meeting, the farmers will decide the future course of action.
The agitation, now in its third day, is a means for farmers to pressure the Centre into accepting their demands, which include a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price for their crops and a loan waiver.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities have advised students appearing for board exams on Thursday to leave for their exam centers early due to traffic disruptions in the city’s border areas.
Traffic at the Ghazipur border remained affected due to barricades on the highway. However, passage from both sides was kept open.
Further security measures have been taken, with streets and bylanes connecting Sonipat in Haryana to Delhi near the Singhu border being dug up to deter protesters. Sources also report that security personnel deployed at the Singhu border tested a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), a system designed to emit extremely high-frequency sounds to disperse crowds.
A senior Delhi Police officer emphasized the heightened security measures taken in anticipation of this event, based on past experiences.
(with PTI inputs)
