The looming farmers’ protest, with its potential to echo the intensity of the 2020 Farmers’ Protest, has put the Haryana government on high alert. As farmer organizations gear up to march to the national capital on February 13, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar-led administration is leaving no stone unturned to thwart their efforts.
Preparation for the protest takes a formidable shape as the government braces for the impending demonstration. Cement barricades, iron nails, suspension of internet services, and a heavy police presence are among the measures being deployed to block the farmers’ march. Reports indicate that route diversions and a seven-tier security cordon are also part of the elaborate arrangements.
Haryana government authorities have been seen diligently drilling iron nails on the roads, intending to deter or delay the progress of the protesting farmers. Additionally, all borders between Haryana and Punjab have been sealed with imposing cement barricades and barbed wires, a stark visual reminder of the government’s resolve to maintain law and order.
Further intensifying the security apparatus, Section 144 has been imposed in many districts of Haryana, curtailing public gatherings and demonstrations. The deployment of CRPF and other security agencies, in addition to the police force, underscores the seriousness with which the government is approaching the situation.
To impede communication and coordination among the protestors, mobile internet services have been suspended in seven districts of Haryana. This move aims to disrupt any attempts to organize or mobilize support for the march digitally. Bulk SMS services have also been suspended, further restricting the channels through which information can be disseminated.
The Haryana-Punjab border at Shambhu has been effectively shut down for vehicular movement towards Ambala and Delhi. The closure has resulted in significant traffic congestion, inconveniencing commuters and travelers. Even the Ghaggar river bed has not been spared, as officials have dug it up to prevent farmers from reaching the highway through tractors.
The suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in the seven designated districts is a preventive measure adopted by the government to preempt any potential unrest or escalation of the situation. By cutting off digital communication channels, the authorities aim to disrupt the protestors’ ability to organize and coordinate their activities effectively.
Despite these stringent measures, farmers remain resolute in their determination to march to Delhi. Tractor trolleys are being readied, and farmers are gearing up for the journey ahead. In Rajpura, a tractor march was organized as part of the preparations for the impending march to Delhi.
Amidst the preparations and heightened tensions, authorities have issued advisories urging people to remain vigilant and report any untoward incidents. The helpline number ‘112’ has been made available for immediate assistance during emergencies, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.
The upcoming farmers’ march is fueled by a myriad of demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee minimum support prices (MSP) for crops, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waivers, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
As the standoff between the government and farmers continues, all eyes are on the unfolding events leading up to February 13. The outcome of this confrontation will not only shape the trajectory of the farmers’ movement but also have far-reaching implications for India’s agrarian landscape and political dynamics.
