With talks between farmers and the Union Government failing to resolve the crisis, the protest against the Centre’s new farm laws looks set to intensify as farmers hardened stance and said they are determined to win this fight no matter what.
Addressing a Press conference at Singhu border, farmers’ leaders said the fight has reached a stage where we are determined to win no matter what. “We are sure that we will make the Government repeal these laws. We are not running away from negotiation, but the Government has to pay heed to our demands and come forward with concrete proposals,” said Jagjeet Dallewal, a farmer leader.
Several other farmer leaders also addressed the Press conference and said they will completely block the Chilla Border between Delhi and Noida on Wednesday to press for their demands.
The farmers’ leaders also called upon people to pay tributes on December 20 to those farmers who have lost their lives during the ongoing protests.
Farmer leader Rishipal said one farmer has died every day on an average since the protest started in the last week of November.
“A Homage Day (Shraddhanjali Diwas) for all the farmers who lost their lives and became martyrs in the ongoing protest will be organised across the country in villages and tehsil headquarters on December 20 from 11 am to 1pm,” said another farmer leader.
Meanwhile, following the protest, the Delhi Traffic Police took it on to Twitter and informed commuters regarding the traffic closed.
Police said Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Sabholi and Manges borders were closed, and commuters have been advised to take alternative routes via Lampur, Safiabad and Singhu school toll tax borders while traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK road.
Outer Ring Road, GTK road and NH-44 can be avoided, they said.
The Ghazipur border also remains closed for traffic coming from Ghaziabad to Delhi due to the protest. Commuters have been advised to take other routes via Anand Vihar, DND, Chilla, Apsara and Bhopra borders.
Multi-layered cemented barriers, additional police force and barbed wires formed the first layer of security at the Singhu border protest site.
The second layer of barricades deployed by the Delhi Police is being guarded by a team of Rapid Action Force along with personnel from the paramilitary forces. Water cannons, trucks, containers and iron barricades have also been deployed
On Monday, leaders of around 32 farmer unions observed a day-long hunger strike at the Singhu border as part of the protest.