Paramilitary forces deployed at Dabwali to halt ‘Dilli Chalo’

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Bathinda, February 12

The Haryana Police have deployed heavy force at Dabwali, which is situated on the Punjab-Haryana border, to stop farmers from heading to Delhi on February 13.

Apart from 1,000 police personnel, eight companies of paramilitary force have also been deployed.

Along with concrete barricades and barbed fencing, iron spikes have been installed to stop farmers from moving ahead. Even Internet services have been suspended in Dabwali and cops are using drones to track movement of farmers. At present, commuters are being allowed to cross the barricades after proper verification.

It’s similar situation at Natheha village of Talwandi Sabo, which shares border with Haryana. The bridge on a distributary of Bhakra canal has been closed and cops are asking people to step out of their houses only in case of extreme emergency.

Dabwali DSP Rajeev Kumar said security arrangements had been made keeping in view the law and order scenario.

Farmers said they would take earth movers, cutters and other heavy equipment to breach the barriers.

Surjit Singh Phul, head, BKU (Krantikari), said, “Farmers are seeing visuals of concrete walls and barricades installed by the Haryana Government. We are fully prepared to remove all obstacles on our way to Delhi. We are taking cutters, JCB machines, towing chains and other equipment to deal with any situation.”

Meanwhile, the Haryana Government has turned Chaudhary Dalbir Singh Indoor Stadium in Sirsa and Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in Dabwali into temporary detention facilities for protesting farmers.

Bridge at Nathela also closed

Situation is similar at Natheha village of Talwandi Sabo, which shares border with Haryana. The bridge on Bhakra canal has been closed

Will take along heavy equipment

Farmers are seeing visuals of concrete walls and barricades installed by the Haryana Government. We are taking cutters, JCB machines, towing chains and other equipment to deal with any situation. — Surjit Singh Phul, head, BKU (Krantikari)