Bharat Bandh
Several farmer unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), are planning a nationwide strike called Gramin Bharat Bandh on Friday, February 16, to press their demands against the government. They hope other like-minded farmer groups will join them in the protest, which runs from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The strike occurred because many farmers, mainly from Punjab, are stationed at the Punjab-Haryana border near Ambala, 200 kilometers from Delhi. The security forces used tear gas grenades to disperse them there.
Bharatiya Kisan Union (PKU) president Pawan Katana said that during the strike, farmers were asked to stop work for the whole day to put pressure on the government. They are asked not to work in farms and not to shop in markets, and traders and transporters are also asked to join the strike.
Gautam Bodh Nagar police announced on February 16 that they would enforce rules regulating public gatherings in the area in what several farmer unions called the Bharat Bandh. The decision comes as some farmer organizations, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), are planning protest marches.
One such group, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), which is affiliated to SKM, had earlier called for a nationwide strike called ‘Bharat Bandh’ on February 16 over various unresolved issues of farmers.
Police said Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will come into force on February 16 as SKM and other organizations are planning protests. This means gatherings of more than five people, marches and unauthorized demonstrations, political or otherwise. If it is religious, it is not allowed.
Police said Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will come into force on February 16 as SKM and other organizations are planning protests. This means gatherings of more than five people, marches and unauthorized demonstrations, political or otherwise. If it is religious, it is not allowed.
Police also banned the use of private aircraft near government buildings and the carrying of weapons such as batons, clubs and firearms in public.
Due to farmers’ protests, the police advised the public to travel by metro tomorrow.
“People traveling to Delhi should use the metro as often as possible to avoid traffic congestion. Movement of all types of goods vehicles will be restricted from Yamuna Expressway to Delhi via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and from Sirsa to Surajpur via Pari Chowk. Drivers may use alternate routes to reach their destinations, police said.
Local BKU leader Pavan Katana said farmers are asked not to work in the fields or go to the market during the strike. They also want traders and transport companies to join the strike. The farmers plan to stay in their areas and not march to Delhi.
“Farmers have been asked to shun work in farms, or not go to markets for any purchases tomorrow. Traders and transporters have also been exhorted to join the strike tomorrow,” Khatana told PTI.
However, some local traders demanded a quick solution to the problem through negotiations with the protesting farmers and the government. They argue that frequent protests disrupt normal business and inconvenience citizens. They insist on a peaceful, negotiated solution, not on ruining the lives of ordinary people.
“Frequent emigration of farmers has a negative impact on everyday business activities. Citizens face unnecessary problems. Everyone is suffering losses due to closure of delivery routes,” said Sushil Kumar Jain, president, Noida Sector 18 Market Association.
“We urge the government and farmers to resolve the issues through dialogue instead of affecting the lives of common citizens,” Jain added.
Alternate Routes Unveiled to Ease Traffic Congestion in Noida
If you are traveling from Surajpur to Pari Chowk, the route is from Expomart Square to LG Roundabout via Knowledge Park.
If you are traveling towards Pari Chowk on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, you will pass Knowledge Park Square/Expomart and then Hindon Cut/Galgotia Cut.
From Kasna to Surajpur via Pari Chowk, follow the 130 m long road from Honda CL Chowk to Supertech Roundabout.
From Chila to Delhi border, follow the route via Sector 14A flyover, Golchakkar Chowk, Sector 15, Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk and Jundpura Chowk.
If you are traveling to Delhi from DND border, take the elevated route via Film City Flyer, Sector 18.
From Kalindi border to Delhi, take Mahamaya flyover to Sector 37.
Traffic heading towards Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway will have to switch towards Khurja at the adjacent toll plaza and reach their destination via Jahangirpur.
After exiting the Ring Expressway, the route for Delhi-bound traffic will take you via Sirsa at Pari Chowk through Dadri and Dasna instead of the Sirsa exit.
Also read किसान नेता गुरनाम सिंह चढूनी पहुंचे करनाल टोल टैक्स, कहा अब हमें अपनी सरकार लानी है, कब तक इनके पीछ