More deployment of force, fortifications at Shambhu to halt farmers' march

A day after farmers’ attempt of entering Haryana for a march towards Delhi was foiled, an uneasy calm prevailed on the Haryana side of the Shambhu border on Saturday.

While farmer unions will make another attempt to crossover on Sunday, a heavy police and paramilitary deployment continue to guard the barricades.

A number of police vehicles carrying security personnel, Rapid Action Force, and Riot Control Vehicles were seen going towards the Shambhu border on Saturday. Cemented barricades, barbed wires, iron fencing, watercannon and other security arrangements are in place to stop the determined farmers. The fencing and structure, which the farmers tried to pull down with the help of chains, were repaired and further strengthened today.

An official said: “Minimum required force was used by the security personnel on Friday and the force is just protecting the barricades. All arrangements are in place and the farmers will not be allowed to crossover without permission. There is more force and arrangements than before.”

The Ambala police have also registered a case against the agitating farmers under various charges and for violation the orders of section 163 of Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (144 CrPC), after the farmers broke barricades and attempted to crossover on Friday.

Meanwhile, Ambala SP Surinder Singh Bhoria visited the Shambhu border to take stock of the situation and issued directions to the on-duty police personnel.

Speaking to The Tribune, SP Surinder Singh Bhoria said: “We have repeatedly requested the farmer unions to obtain the permission from Delhi and then proceed. Ample security arrangements are in place to stop farmers from marching towards Delhi. Section 163 of BNSS is in force and a case for the violation of the orders has been already registered after yesterday’s attempt. We appeal the farmer unions to maintain peace. All required steps will be taken to maintain the law and order.”

Bhartiya Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh) spokesman Tejveer Singh said: “The second group of 101 farmers will start march at 12 noon. They will march peacefully and the rest is up to the government. There has been no message from the government regarding the talks so far and the government has been showing an adamant behaviour. We heard the sound of some drilling being done behind the barricades and it suggests that the security personnel have been further strengthening their position behind the barricades to stop the farmers.”

Meanwhile, Jan Jagriti Sangathan, a platform formed by local traders of Ambala City, has decided to hold meeting on Sunday to decide the future course of action.  Viplove Singla, president of Sangathan, said: “After yesterday’s action, it is clear that the government has no plans to open the Shambhu border and the farmers are also standing firm. The businessmen and small traders are suffering losses and we have decided to hold a meeting on Sunday to decide the future course of action.”