New Delhi, March 6
Agitated farmers are slated to block the 135-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway, also known as the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday to mark 100 days of protest against the center’s farm laws.
The farmer agitation had begun on November 26. The step to block the expressway is a part of the strategy to intensify the ongoing protest.
Those protesting at the Singhu border will reach Kundli and block the toll plazas falling on the way. Besides, farmers from Ghazipur and Tikri borders will block Dasna and Bahadurgarh toll plaza, respectively. Those sitting on the Shahjahanpur border will block the KMP Expressway touching Gurugram-Manesar.
Their plan of action includes freeing up the toll plazas from collecting fees. Farmers have said that the toll plaza nearest to the border area will be blocked.
Rajvir Singh Jadaun, Uttar Pradesh president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, stationed at Ghazipur border told IANS, “The toll plazas will be blocked in a peaceful manner and passers-by will not be troubled. We will keep water for the passers-by. They will also be apprised of our issues. “
He said, “Emergency vehicles will not be stopped, whether it is an ambulance, a fire brigade vehicle or foreign tourists. Military vehicles will also not be stopped. “
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The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, which is leading the protests, has also requested the common people to wave black flags at homes and offices to support the movement, and protest against the government.
Security tightened:
Security arrangements have been heightened in Palwal district on the 136-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway ahead of the five-hour blockade called by farmers.
More than 125 police personnel, wearing safety gears and armed with batons, have been deployed at the Palwal toll plaza on the expressway.
Besides, a fire engine and ambulance have also been stationed on the spot to tacle any eventuality, said station house officer Anand Kumar of Sadar area in Palwal district.
Security personnel have also been deployed on the protest site at Atoha, two kilometre away from the toll plaza. Riot control vans of the Rapid Action Force are also kept on standby.
Vijay Pal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said, “We are prepared. However, we are hopeful that the protest will be peaceful. In any case, ample security personnel are here. ” – IANS
