Farmers' protest: Delhi borders witness massive traffic jams; commuters stranded for hours

Due to the security checks in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' farmers' protest march, heavy traffic congestion was witnessed at Singhu border (Delhi-Haryana border), Delhi-Gurugram and Kalindi Kunj near Delhi-Noida border on Thursday.

Heavy security was also deployed at Singhu border where drones were being used for surveillance.

Gaurav Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North), Delhi, told ANI that no farmer groups are moving in the direction of Delhi now. "Our staff is on high alert. We are checking all the vehicles that are coming here to make sure no farmer enters the capital. Senior officials are also patrolling the area."

Vehicles are also being checked at the DND and National Highway-24 crossings with Uttar Pradesh. Borders have not been sealed, however, barricades and cement blocks have been placed to stop trucks and tractors of protesters.

Earlier today, security personnel had to use tear gas to disperse the protesting farmers at Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana.

The protestors were marching towards Delhi against new farm laws which they believe will reduce their earnings, making large retailers more powerful.

Delhi Metro services from neighbouring NCR cities to the national capital have been suspended in view of the farmers' protest, officials said. However, metro services will be available from Delhi towards the National Capital Region (NCR) sections.

Prior to that, police had used water cannon to disperse the crowd of angry farmers who pelted stones at security forces deployed to control the crowd at the Shambhu border.

Farmers also gathered in Haryana's Karnal to protest against farm laws near the Karna Lake area.

Earlier in the day, Delhi-Jammu Highway also saw heavy traffic jam due to a strike called by farmers. Forces from at least two police stations, besides three Central Reserve Police Force battalions, have been deployed at the Delhi-Faridabad border.

Barricading has been done at four to five places on the Delhi-Faridabad border and drone cameras are also being used for security surveillance.

Farmers have given a call for 'Delhi Chalo' protest march to coincide with the Constitution Day celebrations, against new farm laws.

While the government says the three laws will do away with middlemen, enabling farmers to sell their produce in the commercial markets, protestors fear that this could lead to the government not buying produce at guaranteed prices, thereby disrupting their timely payments.

The Farmer's Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 were passed by the Upper House in September through voice vote despite objection from opposition parties.

(With agency inputs)