Farmers’ protest: Delhi Police step up security at Haryana and Punjab borders

Speaking to The Indian Express, Ankit Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dwarka, said, “Like the last time, we’re making arrangements for barriers, jersey barriers, and containers. We’ve deployed around 400 personnel to the border and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure no untoward incidents.”

“All our border pickets are manned with proper barricading, and we have tied up with UP police for coordinated efforts. Smaller arterial roads are also under constant surveillance,” said Rakesh Paweriya, DCP, North East.

In Outer Delhi, Sachin Sharma, DCP, confirmed that suitable arrangements have been made for any development, adding that the forces are in “ready mode.” Apoorva Gupta, DCP (East), said that “skeleton deployments and patrol parties” are in place to intercept any organised movement towards Delhi.

Currently, the bulk of the protesters have gathered at the Shambhu border, where they are expected to stay for the next four days. “We are ready for any eventuality. At this moment, the farmers remain stationed at the Shambhu border, and we are closely monitoring their movements,” said a senior police officer.

Meanwhile, another senior officer said that 400 police personnel in two shifts — 800 in total — have been deployed at border entry points in the Shahdara district.

Authorities in other districts are also keeping an eye on the situation, ensuring that the protests remain peaceful while preparing for any disruptions that may arise as the farmers march towards the heart of Delhi.

Police forces from Haryana and Punjab have also been on high alert as the protesters converged on the Shambhu border and other key locations. As the number of protesters swelled, the police in the Ambala district have issued prohibitory orders, aiming to prevent any escalation or disorder.

The Haryana Police have implemented a multi-layered barricading system, including installing wire mesh and mobile traffic barriers, on the Punjab side. A seven-layer barricade system comprising concrete walls, iron nails, and barbed wires has been erected to prevent sudden movement towards the national capital.

The farmers’ primary demand is a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, a long-standing issue that has triggered nationwide protests in the past. In addition, the protesters are also calling for a debt waiver for farmers, a pension scheme for both farmers and farm labourers, and no increase in electricity tariffs.