In view of farmers’ ‘mahapanchayat’ at Ramlila Ground, police deployed in central Delhi, traffic may be hit

In anticipation of the “Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat” organised by farmers at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Thursday, security measures have been significantly heightened by the Delhi Police, potentially leading to traffic disruptions in the city center, officials disclosed.

Authorities have ramped up security and implemented extensive vehicle checks, a move that may cause traffic congestion in central areas, as stated by officials. Additionally, a traffic advisory has been issued advising commuters to steer clear of roads leading to central Delhi.

The number of paramilitary personnel stationed at Delhi’s borders has been augmented, with farmers urged to refrain from bringing tractor-trolleys into the capital, officials emphasised.

The Delhi Police has granted permission for the event under strict conditions, including limiting the gathering to no more than 5,000 individuals and prohibiting the presence of tractor-trolleys or any procession towards Ramlila Maidan.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer organizations pivotal in the protests at Delhi’s borders in 2020-21, has announced plans to convene the “Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat” at Ramlila Maidan on Thursday. At this gathering, a resolution will be passed to intensify opposition against the agricultural policies of the BJP-led Central government.

In a statement issued earlier, the SKM confirmed receiving a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Delhi Police to conduct the “mahapanchayat” on March 14. They also mentioned arrangements for parking, water, sanitation facilities, and medical assistance with support from municipal authorities.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), M Harsha Vardhan, informed that farmers have been permitted to organize the “mahapanchayat” with the condition of not exceeding 5,000 attendees. He reiterated that farmers must adhere to the undertaking provided, refraining from bringing tractor-trolleys or weapons into the capital and refraining from organizing any marches within the city limits.

Furthermore, police officers emphasized that the ground must be vacated promptly after the conclusion of the program at 2:30 pm. Strict action will be taken against any breaches of the conditions that may lead to disruption of law and order.

Traffic disruptions are anticipated across various parts of Delhi due to the gathering at Ramlila Maidan, according to the Delhi Traffic Police. Vehicular movement may be affected on several key routes, including Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, and others listed in the advisory.

To minimise inconvenience, commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and to consider alternative routes. The traffic police have requested cooperation from the public to alleviate congestion during the specified period.

At the borders of Delhi, namely Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur, heavy deployment of paramilitary personnel has been observed in anticipation of a proposed farmers’ march towards Delhi. Hundreds of farmers have been stationed at border points in Punjab and Haryana for the past month.

(With PTI inputs)