Farmers block highways, rail tracks; traffic hit on Delhi, Haryana borders

The Bharat Bandh is being observed across the country by farmers protesting against the three central farm laws, who say the legislation will make them vulnerable to competition from big business houses.

The Bharat Bandh has been called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Farmers protesting against the three central farm laws on Monday blocked highways and railway tracks affecting traffic in several areas during the 10-hour Bharat Bandh called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) as police increased deployment in Haryana and Delhi. Police in Delhi and Haryana stepped up security in border areas of the national capital in view of the Bharat Bandh and a senior police officer said adequate security arrangements have been made to maintain the law and order situation and prevent any untoward incident.

Police officials said patrolling has been intensified, extra personnel have been deployed at pickets, especially on all roads leading to Delhi through villages, near border areas and every vehicle entering the national capital is being thoroughly checked. “In view of Bharat Bandh, adequate security arrangements have been made as a precautionary measure. Pickets at the border areas have been strengthened and all vital installations, including India Gate and Vijay Chowk, have adequate deployment,” deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi) Deepak Yadav said.
No protester is being allowed to enter Delhi from the three protest sites at the city’s borders, the official said. “The security is preventive and we are fully alert. There is no call for Bharat Bandh in Delhi, but we are watching the developments and adequate number of personnel are on the ground,” another officer said