Ahead of the farmers’ march to the national capital on February 13, 2024, reminiscent of the 2020-21 agitation, the Delhi Police has taken preemptive measures by invoking prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the entire city.
Farmers are intensifying their demand for immediate legislation on Minimum Support Price (MSP), a promise made to them in 2021 following a year-long agitation.
The Modi-led government’s imposition of three farm laws has sparked widespread opposition from farmer unions across India. Police have sealed the borders of Delhi to prevent farmers from entering the city.
Tragically, hundreds of lives were lost during the year-long agitation. Farmers express concerns that the government plans to privatize farming, which they fear would result in losses for them.
In recent years, there has been a growing call for the government to act as a seller for farmers’ produce, as direct selling to private companies or dealers is causing financial hardships for farmers.
In Kashmir, apple farmers are also calling for the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) due to incurring losses from direct selling to private buyers in Delhi and other states. At times, the prices dip even below the actual cost of production, exacerbating the financial strain on farmers.
With immediate effect, the order issued by Delhi Police chief Sanjay Arora is set to remain in force for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier.
Citing the plans of various farmers unions and associations such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to conduct a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march and protest outside the Parliament House, the order highlights the potential risk of participants attempting to enter Delhi from multiple entry points.
As a precautionary measure, the police have prohibited the entry of tractor trolleys, trucks, or any vehicles carrying individuals or materials, particularly those equipped with implements that could be used as weapons.
Furthermore, the order prohibits assemblies of five or more persons, processions, and rallies throughout the city. It imposes an absolute prohibition on the organization, convening, or participation in any political, social, or other purpose-driven gatherings within Delhi’s geographical limits.
In addition to banning corrosive substances, explosives, firearms, and lethal weapons in public places, the order emphasizes enhanced border security measures.
It mandates rigorous inspection of vehicular traffic originating from neighboring states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on preventing the transportation of objects likely to be used for disruptive purposes.
The order also prohibits provocative actions or utterances, whether verbal, written, or electronic, that may incite public disorder. It bans the use of amplifiers, loudspeakers, or similar instruments without authorization from competent authorities.
The police chief calls for full cooperation from residents, community leaders, and stakeholders in implementing the prohibitory orders. Any contravention of the order is deemed an offense punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, with criminal prosecution to follow.
However, the order exempts processions or meetings organized by the government or public servants acting in their official capacity, as well as congregations related to weddings, funerals, or religious functions.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the protests, the Ambala administration has sealed key highways, while prohibitory orders have been imposed in various districts of Haryana.
Farmers’ unions from Punjab and Haryana are expected to march towards Delhi via Ambala to demand higher minimum support prices.
The outcome of a scheduled meeting between three Union ministers and farmers’ unions in Chandigarh on Monday evening will determine their next course of action.