Delhi Authorities Enforce Section 144 Ahead of Farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ March

In preparation for the farmers’ planned ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13, the Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora has declared the imposition of Section 144 across the entire capital.

The enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) aims to ensure law and order and has led to the prohibition of large gatherings throughout Delhi. Concrete blocks and iron nails have been strategically placed at the borders to deter vehicles transporting protesters from entering the city, causing disruptions to traffic in border areas.

With several farmer associations predominantly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, leading the call for the march, demands include the enactment of legislation guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for their agricultural produce—a condition previously agreed upon for withdrawing their protests in 2021.

In response to the upcoming march, traffic restrictions have been initiated for commercial vehicles at the Singhu border since Monday, extending to all vehicle types starting Tuesday, as per the advisory issued.

Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora personally inspected the borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on Sunday to oversee security measures. More than 5,000 security personnel have been deployed, complemented by cranes and earthmovers equipped with large containers to fortify roadblocks.

To prevent the entry of protesters, multiple security barricades have been erected at the borders, and roads have been lined with nails to puncture the tires of any vehicles attempting to breach the blockade.

The proactive measures undertaken reflect the authorities’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the national capital amidst the impending demonstrations.