The Delhi-Noida border witnessed a tumultuous scene on Thursday as security personnel escalated vehicle checks in response to a protest call by farmers in Noida and Greater Noida.
Long queues of vehicles stretched along the roads, trapping numerous commuters in the gridlock at Sarita Vihar. Heavy traffic congestion plagued the Delhi-Noida highway, exacerbating the situation for travelers, according to officials.
In anticipation of the impending protest demonstration by farmers, security measures were significantly reinforced in the national capital, particularly along the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border.
Stringent traffic arrangements were put in place by law enforcement authorities, with commuters advised to steer clear of certain roads to avoid potential unrest. "Heavy security arrangements have been deployed at various border entry points in the national capital to maintain law and order," stressed a senior police officer.
Additional police forces, including paramilitary units, were dispatched to ensure the preservation of peace and order. Pickets and barricades were strategically erected along the Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders, confirmed another police official.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued warnings of heavy traffic on routes linked to Soniya Vihar, DND, Chilla, Gazipur, Sabhapur, Apsara, and Loni borders on Thursday, urging commuters to plan alternative routes or adjust their travel schedules accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police to prevent chaos imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) on both Wednesday and Thursday, ahead of the farmers' protest in Noida and Greater Noida.
In addition, a traffic advisory was issued, cautioning commuters about potential diversions on select routes within the twin cities due to the farmers' movement on tractors.
The ongoing protests by farmers groups in Noida and Greater Noida, initiated in December 2023, revolve around demands for increased compensation and developed plots in exchange for land acquired by local development authorities in the past.
Amidst this unrest, farmers from Haryana and Punjab are preparing for a renewed agitation in the national capital over a myriad of issues. Police forces in neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have made extensive arrangements to prevent separate groups of protesting farmers from entering Delhi.
Cement barriers, sandbags, and barbed wires have been deployed, and prohibitory orders imposed to thwart farmers' entry into Delhi. At the borders with Haryana, preparations are underway to block farmers attempting to enter Delhi on Tuesday.
While cement barriers reminiscent of the 2020-21 protests have been erected, force deployment is still pending. Haryana police have issued notices to farmers, warning of "huge losses" should they join the protest.
The protesting farmers in Haryana and Punjab, who have planned a tractor march on Tuesday, are advocating for several demands, including legislation to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, farmer pensions, crop insurance, and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against farmers during the 2020 protests.
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