Panchkula: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are organizing a major ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13, with the participation of more than 200 farmers’ unions. The goal is to increase pressure on the central government to fulfill their demands, such as passing a law to ensure a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
This movement has led to significant administrative and security actions, like imposing Section 144 in Panchkula and restricting mobile internet and bulk SMS in various districts of Haryana.
Section 144 in Panchkula by Haryana Government
The Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has enforced Section 144 in Panchkula as farmers plan to march towards Delhi to advocate for various demands.
According to Panchkula DCP Sumer Singh Pratap, cited by ANI, Section 144 is now in effect in Panchkula. This means there’s a prohibition on organizing processions, demonstrations, marches on foot, with tractor trolleys, or any vehicles, and carrying weapons such as sticks or rods.
Additionally, mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services have been suspended in multiple districts of Haryana until February 13.
Haryana Suspends Certain Mobile Services
As per the Haryana administration’s notification, bulk SMS and certain mobile network services like dongle services, excluding voice calls, will be suspended. Also, mobile internet services will be unavailable in seven districts—Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa—from 6 am on February 11 until 11:59 pm on February 13.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lakhowal in Ludhiana stated that they won’t participate in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest on February 13. However, they expressed readiness to oppose any mistreatment of farmers during the march.
According to PTI, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher revealed that the Central government has called for a meeting to discuss their demands on February 12. Three Union ministers—Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai—will meet with representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh on February 12.
Latest Updates on Farmers’ Protest
Here are the latest updates on the upcoming farmers’ protest:
- Authorities in Panchkula have enforced Section 144, which means no processions, demonstrations, or weapons are allowed, according to Panchkula DCP Sumer Singh Pratap.
- Preparations are being made to close off the Punjab-Haryana borders in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts before the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
- The Haryana Police has advised people to avoid main roads on February 13 due to expected disruptions. They’ve suggested alternative routes for those traveling between Chandigarh and Delhi to avoid traffic jams.
- Mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended in seven Haryana districts to prevent the spread of false information.
- Senior police officials have inspected border points to check security measures.
- Concrete barricades have been placed at the Shambhu border, and the Ghaggar river bed has been dug up to block movement.
- Heavy traffic and disruptions in regular commuting are expected, especially for those traveling to Ambala via the Shambhu border.
- Farmers are preparing for the march by stocking essential supplies and getting their tractor trolleys ready, despite government warnings.
- The planned ‘Delhi Chalo’ march is still on, despite recent meetings between Union ministers and farmer leaders. This shows the farmers’ determination to demand MSP guarantee and other concessions.
- Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai will come to Chandigarh on February 12 for talks.
Section 144 in Panchkula FAQs
Q.1. Why is Section 144 imposed in Panchkula?
Ans. Section 144 is imposed to restrict gatherings, processions, and demonstrations ahead of the farmers’ march towards Delhi.
Q.2. Why are mobile internet and bulk SMS services suspended in Haryana?
Ans. These services are suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order during the protest.
Q.3. What are the preparations being made for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march?
Ans. Preparations include sealing borders, setting up barricades, and advising alternative routes to manage expected disruptions.
Q.4. Why are farmers marching towards Delhi?
Ans. Farmers are demanding various concessions, including a law guaranteeing minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
Q.5. Are there any government responses to the farmers’ demands?
Ans. Union ministers are scheduled to hold talks with farmer leaders in Chandigarh, indicating ongoing negotiations amidst the protest.
