In response to farmers announcing a march to Delhi on February 13, Haryana administration has issued alerts and taken significant steps to manage the situation. In a bold move, internet services have been suspended in seven districts of Haryana, including Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa, from 6 AM on February 11 to 11:59 PM on February 13. Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented along the borders.
The decision to suspend mobile internet services, SMS, and all dongle services, excluding voice calls, aims to prevent communication and coordination among farmers planning to participate in the march. This move comes as a response to concerns over the possible disruption caused by the farmers’ protest, necessitating precautionary steps.
Verification procedures are being implemented at various locations to scrutinize individuals intending to join the Delhi march. Police have stated that barricading is underway to impede the progress of the farmers and maintain law and order. Three-layered barricading is being erected, and enhanced security measures have been put in place in Ambala and other regions.
While these security measures are intended to address potential challenges posed by the farmers’ march, ordinary citizens are facing difficulties due to the extensive barricading. Pedestrians and commuters are experiencing disruptions, with auto-rickshaw drivers reportedly charging higher fares.
The farmers, under the banner of the United Farmers Front and Farmers Workers Front, have announced the march to Delhi on February 13, pressuring the central government on various demands, including the formulation of laws related to minimum support prices for crops. The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to balance security concerns with the right to peaceful protest.