Checkpoints near Punjab border sealed in Kaithal, traffic diverted in Karnal

Parveen Arora

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Karnal/Kaithal, February 11

The authorities in Kaithal and Karnal have taken steps to maintain law and order situation in view of the farmers’ Delhi march on February 13. The Kaithal police have sealed all checkpoints near the Punjab border, while the Karnal police have increased vigilance on National Highway-44.

Two checkpoints in Kaithal district have been fortified with concrete barricades and heavy police deployment, while five others have been equipped with iron barricades, besides the deployment of additional police personnel.

In Karnal, the authorities have effected traffic diversions on the Delhi-Chandigarh route. The commuters are being redirected from Baldi bypass in Karnal to Indri/Pipli, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Shahabad, Saha, Barwala and Ramgarh.

Those travelling from Delhi towards Chandigarh can take the Shamli-Saharanpur route via the Karnal-Meerut road. Similarly, those heading towards Yamunanagar can take the route from Indri-Ladwa to Yamunanagar.

The measures aim at ensuring smooth traffic flow and minimising disruptions during the demonstration. The commuters, however, complained of inconvenience due to traffic diversions.

The Karnal police have installed strong barriers along the NH-44 near Karna Lake to prevent any unauthorised movement. Additionally, one company each of the CRPF, BSF and the IRB have been deployed in Karnal. “We have made all necessary arrangements in view of the march. Nobody will be allowed to take law into their hands,” said Shashank Kumar Sawan, who visited various spots on Sunday.

Kaithal SP Upasana said they had deployed 10 companies across the district. “Tight security arrangements have been made to maintain law and order situation in the district. Traffic diversions are in place to minimise inconvenience to commuters,” said the SP.

“All checkpoints near the Punjab border will remain sealed. Commuters travelling to Patiala can use routes via Cheeka to Kalarmajra, Baupur and Balhera,” said the SP.

On the other hand, farmers are reaching out to villages to garner support. “The Kaithal police have served notices on some farm leaders, urging them to refrain from violent protests, otherwise action will be taken against them,” said a farmer leader.