Ahead of Punjab farmers’ march, Delhi Police step up patrol at borders

Delhi Police PRO Dr Eish Singhal said police have appealed to the organisations on social media to postpone the protest as it isn’t allowed under the DDMA’s guidelines restricting public gatherings in the city due to the pandemic. He said, “We can’t allow this march due to Covid-19. Protesters and policemen deployed on the road are both at risk. However, we are anticipating protesters at the borders and will conduct intensive checking.”

Members from 500 organisations will march to the capital through five highways. Several farmers have already reached Haryana borders and will begin their march Wednesday morning. Police said they have deployed personnel at main entry points at the borders and pickets, and will conduct strict checking for the next two days before allowing other people to enter.

A senior officer said, “We have also called paramilitary forces and outside companies to help prevent entry of farmers.”

Also read | Haryana farmers break barricades, go through water cannons to continue Delhi march

In East Delhi, local police and paramilitary forces will guard major roads and other small borders. DCP (East) Jasmeet Singh said, “There’s heavy deployment at Ghazipur border, DND and Chilla. We haven’t sealed the borders and are allowing other people to go. Depending on the situation, we will create traffic diversions for the public.”

DCP (Southeast) R P Meena said they have been provided with eight companies of paramilitary forces to assist local police at the borders. DCP (Outer North) Gaurav Sharma said, “Local police have been instructed to guard the Singhu border. Tomorrow, six companies of paramilitary forces will join them.”

Gurgaon Police has also identified seven points at the district’s borders, where supervisory officers and duty in charges have been posted.

In pictures | Overcoming barricades and water cannons, farmers march towards Delhi