Farmers' Protest Highlights: Red Fort temporarily closed for visitors, says ASI official

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In January, MoS MeitY Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to Finance Minister, saying that India needed to “act now” to lower duties, sources told CNBC TV-18.

"We don't know why and how this happened or what problems he had. Unless he speaks up, we won't know. If a leader leaves, any ideology-based party faces no problems. Public is intelligent. They stay with the ideology. I think the exit of Ashok Chavan will not cause any loss to the party," news agency ANI quoted Congress leader and LoP Maharashtra Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar as saying.

Bihar chief minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar has announced senior party leader Sanjay Kumar Jha as the party's candidate from Bihar for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Fifty percent less diesel and 20 percent less gas was dispatched to Punjab due to the ongoing farmers' protest, news agency ANI reported, citing government sources.

Bharat Electronics Limited has signed a contract worth Rs 2,167 crore with the Indian Navy for the supply indigenously designed and developed Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for use on-board warship.

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on Tuesday flayed the BJP-led central government, accusing it of betraying farmers and denying their rights.

Karat's remarks came on a day thousands of farmers called for a 'Delhi Chalo' protest, as the national capital turned into a virtual fortress with authorities stopping them from entering the city.

"The Narendra Modi government has not only denied the rights of farmers and workers, but also betrayed them. Why do they (the Centre) say no to the law to guarantee minimum support price (MSP) for crops," she said.

The Red Fort complex has been temporarily closed for visitors due to security reasons, a senior ASI official said on Tuesday, amid a massive deployment of police and paramilitary forces in central Delhi in view of the farmers' march.

The Congress will provide "MSP guarantee" for farmers if it is elected to power, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said. The move will aid country's 15 crore cultivators, he added.

Union Minister Arjun Munda said that the government is open to many issues, and they can work on ways to find solutions.The Union Minister in response to the 'Delhi Chalo' march, also urged the farmers to stay careful of elements that try to vitate the atmosphere. "The government is getting information that many people could try to pollute the atmosphere, I urge the farmers to stay careful of such elements. The government of India is committed towards the welfare of farmers. An agreement has been reached on some matters. We are open to many issues, and we can work on ways to find solutions," Munda said.

• Stations affected include Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhawan, Janpath, and Barakhamba Road.

• Khan Market metro station also had one gate closed.

• Despite gate closures, passengers can use other gates for entry and exit at these stations.

After Shambhu border, Punjab farmers clash with Haryana Police at Jind border; face tear gas, water cannons

A temporary police post has been created under the Ghazipur flyover for police officers and gazetted officers. CCTV cameras facing the blockades at the border have also been installed.

“How can our country progress when the farmers are attacked with tear gas shells for fighting for their basic rights? I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our farmers by the BJP. Instead of suppressing their protest, BJP must focus on humbling their inflated egos, power-hungry ambitions, and inadequate governance that has harmed our nation," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X.

Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira reaches the Shambhu barrier to support protesting farmers.

A group of farmers from Tamil Nadu, based in Trichy, have expressed their solidarity with the 'Delhi Chalo' farmers' protest.

Farmer leader P. Ayyakannu said: "As per the Constitution, we can move freely within the country for our rights, but the police are not allowing farmers to protest in Delhi... If PM Modi contests from any constituency in Tamil Nadu in the coming elections, then farmers will file nominations against him from that constituency."

The Delhi and Haryana police have implemented extensive measures to prevent protesting farmers from entering the national capital. These preparations include setting up multiple checkpoints and blocking borders with concrete barricades and iron nails.

Farmers are marching to Delhi on February 13 to demand legislation guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

Farmers from various states such as Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and others are participating in the Delhi Chalo march.

Several routes have been diverted, including the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, with traffic closures expected from Ambala and Punjab. Separate routes have been arranged for travel to Chandigarh and Amritsar, and from Chandigarh.

Security has been tightened at several borders in Delhi, including Singhu Border, Ghazipur Border, Loni Border, Chilla Border, Rajokri Border, Kapashera Border, and Kalindi Kunj-DND-Noida Border.

Commercial vehicle movement will be restricted at Singhu border from February 12, with a complete border closure scheduled for February 13.

Farmers preparing for the protest are bringing six months' worth of ration and water. The government, led by Minister Piyush Goyal, is intensifying preparations and engaging in talks with farmers' unions. Delhi Police have completely sealed all borders in preparation for the protest.

Amid increased security arrangements due to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march, the historic Red Fort complex in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been temporarily closed for visitors. According to a senior ASI official, the closure was implemented late February 12 night "due to security reasons" amid a massive deployment of police and paramilitary forces in central Delhi in anticipation of the farmers' march, news agency PTI reported.

Regarding the march, farmer leader Naresh Tikait emphasised the importance of dialogue, stating, “Protests are going on in the entire country… The government should sit and talk with us and give respect to the farmers. The government should think about this issue and try to find a solution to it.”

Efforts to manage the situation include the installation of containers and cranes on the national highway leading to Delhi to deter the farmers' movement.

Additionally, Jhajjar SP Arpit Jain highlighted security measures at Tikri border, stating, “Traffic advisory has already been issued and (route) diversion has also been done at many points. We are also ensuring that no emergency vehicle gets stuck at Tikri border.”

The situation at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border has escalated as protesters forcefully dismantle cement barricades using their tractors in an attempt to cross the border on February 13. In response, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda addressed the farmers' protest, emphasising the importance of finding solutions to their grievances. He expressed concern about the potential exploitation of the situation by political parties for their own interests, cautioning that such actions could negatively impact farmers.

Munda highlighted historical instances where certain political motivations, particularly those of the Congress party, failed to benefit farmers. He warned about potential instigators seeking to incite violence among the protestors and urged farmers to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to such individuals.

The ongoing farmers' march has caused disruptions not only on the ground but also in air travel. Reports indicate a significant surge in airfare for flights from Punjab to Delhi, with prices reaching as high as Rs 30,000.

A random search on a travel website reveals ticket rates for round-trip journeys between New Delhi and Amritsar on February 14-15 at nearly Rs 33,000 per person. These increased airfares reflect the challenges and inconveniences faced by travellers amid the disruptions caused by the farmers' movement.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed concern over the government's actions to prevent farmers from reaching Delhi, labelling it as unfortunate. He mentioned that Rahul Gandhi is meeting with farmer unions in Ambikapur, and farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are marching towards Delhi, despite potential restrictions imposed by the Centre.

The 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers has caused significant disruptions in traffic at various borders of Delhi on February 13. Long traffic jams are reported at the Chilla border of Delhi-Noida, Kalandikunj border of Delhi, and the Delhi-Gurugram border. Delhi Police have implemented blockades at the Sirhole border due to the farmers' march, leading to a gathering of protesters.

In response to the agitation, Gate No. 2 of the Central Secretariat Metro Station has been closed until evening. Security has been heightened at multiple locations in Delhi, with the implementation of Section 144 across the entire city. Metro stations including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, and Udyog Bhawan are closed, while Janpath and Barakhamba Road metro stations have also been shut down for security reasons. However, all other metro stations are operating normally amid the ongoing protests.

As tensions escalate at the Shambhu border, protesters are taking precautions by tying handkerchiefs over their mouths to mitigate the effects of tear gas. Additionally, water tankers have been stationed to alleviate the impact of tear gas on the demonstrators. Despite the police's use of tear gas for about 15-20 minutes, the farmers retreated nearly 100 meters from the area temporarily.

Prior to reaching the Shambhu border, the farmers' convoy of tractor trolleys had halted, and several farmers were detained by the police. At present, the situation at the Shambhu border remains chaotic, with a continuous influx of farmers joining the protest.

Senior Congress MP Deepender Hooda emphasised the legitimacy of the farmers' demands, particularly regarding the implementation of MSP. He urged the government to honour the agreements made with the farmers.

The situation remains tense at the Shambhu border on February 13 as thousands of farmers and security forces confront each other. Reports indicate that farmers pelted stones at the police, prompting law enforcement to respond by releasing tear gas shells multiple times.

Despite the initial retreat of farmers due to tear gas, they quickly regrouped and advanced once the smoke dispersed. The presence of thousands of farmers, along with ongoing arrivals of tractors from Fatehgarh Sahib, underscores the persistence and determination of the protesters in their demonstration.

The situation at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border escalated as the Haryana Police used tear gas shells, including tear gas drones, to disperse protesting farmers participating in the 'Chalo Delhi' march.

Despite appeals from the police to stay away from the barricades, some protesters, mainly youth, remained adamant and attempted to break through the barricades. This led to the deployment of tear gas as a crowd dispersal measure by law enforcement officials.

The situation at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during the 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers turned violent on February 13, leading to the detention of several farmers and the deployment of tear gas by Haryana Police to disperse the crowd. The ongoing protest along the Ambala highway has intensified tensions in the border area. This underscores the urgency for dialogue and peaceful resolution to address the farmers' grievances effectively.

The clashes highlight the complexities of managing large-scale protests and underscore the importance of maintaining law and order while respecting the rights of demonstrators.

The Haryana Police on February 13 deployed tear gas shells as a group of youth, participating in the farmers' 'Chalo Delhi' protest march, attempted to breach barricades set up at the Shambhu border in Ambala. Despite warnings from the Haryana Police to avoid the barricades, several youth persisted and stood atop them, according to several media reports.

When some individuals dismantled an iron barricade and attempted to discard it from the Ghaggar river bridge, law enforcement officers responded by firing multiple rounds of tear gas shells. Subsequently, a drone was employed to deploy additional tear gas shells.

The protesting farmers on Tuesday made repeated attempts at reaching the barricades put near the Punjab-Haryana border by the police. As soon as a tear gas shell being fired by the police hits the ground, the protestors are quick to cover it with wet jute bags to negate the smoke.

"They (government) talked about MSP in 2014, why hasn't it been given yet? They should call a cabinet or an all-party meeting and make an announcement on MSP," said Congress leader Srinivas BV.

Concrete slabs, barbed wires, police deployment in C's Bahadurgarh as a measure to maintain law and order in view of farmers 'Delhi Chalo' march.

Taking note of the massive traffic jams across the national capital region on account of the farmers' "Delhi Chalo" march, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said he will accommodate lawyers if they are stuck in traffic. "If anyone has a problem due to the traffic situation, we will adjust,” a bench comprising the CJI and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra told lawyers at the outset of the day’s proceedings.

The Congress party does not support us; they are equally responsible, says Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee.

The farmers' march towards Delhi has led to the closure of the Delhi borders with barricades on February 13, resulting in extensive traffic jams. Additionally, there is a significant crowd at many stations of the Delhi Metro.

Moreover, on the DND route from Noida to Delhi, stringent security and traffic arrangements have been implemented in anticipation of the farmers' march. Barricades have been erected along the route, and police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Consequently, long traffic jams have formed on the route, with vehicles moving at a slow pace.

The impact of the farmers' Delhi Chalo march is evident on the streets of Gurugram, where vehicular movement has ground to a halt, resulting in a huge traffic jam. At the Kapasehra border of Delhi, where vehicles are undergoing checks in relation to the farmers' Delhi Chalo march, a congestion stretching nearly 5 kilometers in length has formed on the Old Delhi Road.

Meanwhile, heightened vigilance is observed at the Singhu border in anticipation of the farmers' march to Delhi. Three out of four lanes of the flyover at Singhu border were closed on the morning of February 13, leaving only one lane open for traffic. This closure has led to traffic congestion and a jam-like situation at the border. Additionally, security forces have been notably augmented on all borders, including Singhu, compared to February 12.

Because of the announcement of the farmers' Delhi Chalo march, the police have imposed several restrictions, resulting in a halt in vehicular movement on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway. This has led to a traffic jam stretching approximately 10 kilometers. A significant deployment of Delhi Police personnel is observed at the Rajokri border, where farmers are expected to enter Delhi.

The Delhi Police have closed the expressway service and set up barricades, with fencing also being erected. Additionally, the activities are being closely monitored by the Delhi Police using drones.

In another development, long traffic jams are reported on the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) route due to security and traffic arrangements made in anticipation of the farmers' march. Barricades have been set up along the route, and both policemen and paramilitary personnel are deployed, causing vehicles to move at a slow pace.

The farmers' march towards Delhi is underway, with participants converging via the Ambala-Shambhu, Khanauri-Jind, and Dabwali borders.

In response, authorities in Haryana have fortified the state's borders with Punjab in Ambala, Jind, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, and Sirsa, employing concrete blocks, iron nails, and barbed wire to impede the progress of the march.

\Sarwan Singh Pandher, a prominent farmer leader, criticised the heavy barricading along the Punjab-Haryana borders, likening them to "international borders." He also accused the government of Manohar Lal Khattar of harassing farmers in Haryana.

The Haryana government has enforced restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC across 15 districts, barring gatherings of five or more people and prohibiting any demonstrations or marches involving tractor trolleys.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has issued stringent directives aimed at upholding law and order in the city, effective for the next 30 days.

Security measures have been intensified at the Tikri Border in anticipation of the farmers' march towards the national capital on February 13.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated on February 13 that during the meeting, every effort was made to find a resolution to prevent a confrontation with the government. He expressed hope for a positive outcome from the discussions.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, the general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, in a statement regarding the "Delhi Chalo" protest, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify why the Centre is unwilling to engage in dialogue with the protesting farmers. Pandher expressed concern, stating that "it seems Punjab and Haryana are not parts of India anymore," the News18 reported.

He emphasised that the farmers have been striving to find a solution to avoid confrontation with the government, but their efforts have not yielded positive outcomes. Regarding the ongoing protest march towards Delhi, Pandher highlighted the situation in Haryana during the five-hour-long meeting on February 12, indicating that farmers in the state are facing police deployment and water cannons in every village.

The situation regarding the farmers' movement has escalated, with farmers gathering at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, as they set out on their march towards Delhi. Arriving on tractors and on foot, they are resolute in making their voices heard. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addressed the media, reiterating their pledge to peaceful protest and urging the media not to tarnish their reputation.

He emphasised that the farmers are independent of any political party and criticized the government's attempts to intimidate them by sending officials to their homes.

Expressing disappointment at the lack of progress during the five-hour-long talks with the government, Pandher voiced frustration with the authorities' behaviour, likening the situation to tensions at international borders. At the Shambhu border, soldiers are on high alert, armed with tear gas guns, while farmers have also arrived with water tankers and other supplies, indicating their unwavering determination to continue their protest.

Several farmer organisations on February 13 from North India are gearing up to march towards Delhi, following inconclusive talks between central ministers and farmer leaders that extended for more than five hours on February 12 night. Detailing the forthcoming march, a farmer leader disclosed that the 'Delhi March' will kick off from Febbruary 13.

For travellers heading to Panipat and Sonipat, the advisory suggests specific routes:

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs)

Exit No. 2 from Harish Chandra Hospital intersection at NH-44 to Bawana Chowk.

Outer Ring Road via Mukarba Chowk, Madhuban Chowk, Bhagwan Mahavir Road, Rithala, Kanjhawala Road-Karala T-Point, and Jonati Village/Nizampur border to Bahadurgarh Road.

Car Drivers and Light Goods Vehicles

Exit 1 (NH-44) from Alipur Cut to Shani Mandir, Palla Bakhtawarpur Road Y-Point, and Dahisra Gaon Road to Jatti Kalan.

For those travelling from Delhi to Ghaziabad via Ghazipur border, alternative routes are recommended:

Pushta Road in front of Akshardham Temple or Patparganj Road/Mother Dairy Road or Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg via ISBT Anand Vihar, exiting from Maharajpur or Apsara border in Ghaziabad.

These routes aim to facilitate smoother movement for commuters amidst the planned farmer's march and potential traffic disruptions.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Abdul Salam was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Bihar's Gopalganj district on February 12. Abdul Salam, who previously served as the party's candidate in the Gopalganj bypolls in 2022, was immediately rushed to Sadar Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds in Turkaha. Despite receiving medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.

This marks the second such incident where an AIMIM leader has been fatally shot in Bihar, raising concerns over the safety and security of political figures in the region. More details are awaited.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, the General Secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, revealed that during the five-hour meeting with central ministers ob February 12, they presented their agenda to the central government. However, consensus on their demands has not been reached. While the government is requesting more time to address the issues raised, similar requests were made two years ago at the conclusion of the previous farmers' movement. He expressed the sentiment that it is not appropriate to delay action at this juncture.

Lakhwinder Singh, a farmer leader from Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, highlighted that preparations for the protest march are underway, with ongoing meetings. He stressed their commitment to minimising inconvenience to the general public and affirmed that they will proceed with the march once they receive instructions following the meeting, according to a report in the Dainik Jagran.

In anticipation of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest march scheduled for February 13 by farmer organisations, security measures have been markedly intensified at the borders of Delhi.

Reports indicate traffic congestion at the Ghazipur border, with people facing difficulties navigating through barricades. Visuals from Ghazipur portray a considerable presence of security personnel in the vicinity.

Because of the anticipated farmers' protest at various Delhi borders beginning on February 13, traffic diversions will be in effect. Commercial vehicles will face traffic restrictions and diversions starting from February 12th.

\To ensure timely arrival, travellers are strongly encouraged to use the Magenta Line for Terminal 1 (T1) or the Airport Metro for Terminal 3 (T3) for convenient transportation options, according to Delhi Airport authorities.

After failed talks between the Centre and farmer unions, tractors have begun arriving at the Shambhu border near Ambala district. The farmers affirm that they will continue their Delhi Chalo march until their demands are met. Section 144 has been imposed across Delhi from February 12 to March 12. Gatherings, rallies, and the use of tractor-trolleys for transportation are prohibited during this period, according to an official order issued by the police.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has already clarified that it did not call for the Delhi Chalo march on February 13 and is not associated with this protest. SKM has emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Union government to democratically address such protests instead of dismissing them, as per several media reports.

Following the farmers' announcement of the Delhi Chalo March, the Haryana government has taken extensive precautions. The border with Punjab has been sealed at Shambhu. Additionally, mobile internet services have been suspended in seven districts: Kurukshetra, Ambala, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa until February 13

In contrast to the previous agitation over farm laws, where Punjab farmers garnered huge support from their counterparts in Haryana along with cooperation from locals and khaps, the "Delhi Chalo" march demanding a law on the minimum support price (MSP) and other demands has largely failed to rally support from various quarters.

Reports suggest that while some farmer groups from Ambala and Sirsa in Haryana have offered their support, the BKU (Charuni), which played a prominent role in the agitation against the farm laws, has completely distanced itself from the current march.

More than 250 farmer unions, operating under the umbrella of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have united with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), a coalition of an additional 150 unions, to issue a joint call for protest.

Primarily originating from Punjab, this coordinated protest holds significant resonance. Both farmer fronts declared the 'Delhi Chalo' march at the conclusion of December 2023, aiming to draw attention to the promises made to farmers by the Centre two years ago.

Today, on February 13, farmers are prepared to march towards Delhi, with tractor-trolleys leading the way, despite the deployment of barricades, spikes, and heavy police presence aimed at impeding their progress.

The Delhi Traffic Police has released an advisory in anticipation of a farmer's protest scheduled for February 13. Prohibitory orders have been enforced in various areas over the weekend. Additionally, thousands of police personnel have been stationed along Delhi's borders with neighbouring states. Authorities have fortified these borders with concrete blocks, road spike barriers, and barbed wires in anticipation of the Delhi Chalo agitation.

As per an official communication, traffic diversions will be implemented at the Singhu border with Haryana starting from February 12 onwards. Commuters travelling from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh via the Gazipur border have also been advised to consider alternative routes.

The traffic police advisory has outlined several alternative routes that can be used by different categories of vehicles over the next few days. Barricades have already been erected in certain areas, and police checks have been intensified along the Ghazipur border.

In contrast to the previous movement, the current "Delhi Chalo" march has been announced with a set of specific demands. These include:

A) Legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.

B) Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations.

C) Complete debt waiver for farmers.

D) Provision of pensions for both farmers and labourers.

E) Withdrawal of cases against protestors from the 2020-21 demonstrations.

These demands reflect the evolving priorities and concerns of the farming community, demonstrating a broader scope beyond the singular focus on the agricultural laws seen in the previous agitation.

Annadata, the farmer, is once again poised to make a significant presence in the country's capital, Delhi. Just over two years since ending their massive protest at Delhi's doorstep, thousands of farmers are gearing up to march to Delhi once more. Farmer leaders engaged in talks with central ministers for over five hours on February 12 night in Chandigarh in an earnest attempt to halt the 'Dilli Chalo' march, but the talks remained inconclusive. Today, on February 13, the farmers will commence their march towards Delhi.

This iteration of the farmers' movement differs significantly from the last one. Unlike the 2020-21 movement, both the demands and leadership of the farmers have evolved. The previous agitation was primarily directed against the agricultural laws, during which the farmers achieved their main objective of compelling the Union government to retract its agricultural reform agenda.

Security forces on February 12 reinforced measures by placing rows of metal barricades, utilising shipping containers, and lining the streets with concertina wires at Delhi’s fringes. Additionally, trenches were dug up as the capital's borders transformed into fortresses. These preparations occurred a day before farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh planned to march into the city.

Meanwhile, talks between protesters and Union ministers reached a deadlock after hours of discussions.

The second round of talks between farm groups, Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, and central ministers Arjun Munda and Piyush Goyal on February 12 ended in a deadlock. Discussions, which initially continued for five hours, faltered over the issues of legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, and total farm debt waiver.

Central leaders proposed forming committees to discuss all issues thoroughly and requested time to address all demands. However, farm leaders rejected this suggestion, considering it a delaying tactic.

The farmers are scheduled to start their 'Delhi Chalo' march at 10 am on February 13, but the Haryana government has erected significant fencing around the state borders to prevent protesters from entering Haryana from Punjab.

Additionally, the borders of Delhi have been fortified to prevent a repeat of the extensive protests witnessed in 2020-21. These measures aim to maintain order and security and prevent the entry of protesting farmers into Delhi.