- By Vivek Raj
- Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:17 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Following unsuccessful negotiations with the government regarding guaranteed crop prices, protesting farmers are set to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' march today. Talks broke down after the government failed to meet the farmers' demands. Last week's attempt to cross the Punjab-Haryana border was thwarted by heavy police presence.
In anticipation of the resumed march, authorities have fortified highways leading to the national capital with various obstacles including cement blocks, metal containers, barbed wire, and iron spikes. This measure aims to prevent a recurrence of the 2021 farmers' protests that caused disruptions in the region.
Protesters, donning gas masks and fortified gear, are prepared to confront security forces and breach the barricades at Shambhu border. They have equipped themselves with excavators and JCB machines with modified cabins to withstand potential police actions, such as rubber bullets and shotgun pellets. Additionally, many farmers have fashioned rudimentary anti-riot shields and organised gas masks to mitigate the effects of tear gas shells.
Concerns over security have prompted Haryana Police to request their Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment believed to be en route to the interstate border. Authorities fear that these machines could be used by protesters to forcibly breach barricades, posing a threat to deployed forces.
In a letter addressed to Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, the Haryana DGP expressed concerns about these machines, including JCBs and proclaines, which are reportedly expected to be used to damage barricades and compromise security in Haryana.
"It is reliably learnt that heavy earthmoving equipment, including proclain (digger), JCB etc., that have been further modified/armour-plated have been acquired by protesting farmers and have been deployed at the border locations where the protesters are camping right now," the letter written by the Haryana DGP stated.
"These machines are meant to be used by the protesters to damage the barricades thereby posing serious danger to the police and paramilitary forces deployed on duty and are likely to compromise the security scenario in Haryana," it said.
Punjab's Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, has directed law enforcement agencies to halt the movement of JCBs, proclain (diggers), tippers (heavy trucks), hydras, and other heavy earthmoving equipment towards the Haryana-Punjab border by setting up checkpoints and conducting patrols.
The farmers' protest centers around demands for legislation guaranteeing minimum prices for their produce and fulfillment of promises to double their income, waive loans, and withdraw legal cases stemming from previous protests. Since their initial attempt was halted on February 13, farmers have maintained camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab and Haryana border.
