New Delhi: With thousands of farmers protesting against the Centre’s new agri laws staying put at Delhi borders, several routes in the national capital remained off bounds for commuters Friday. The Delhi police took to Twitter to inform people about road closures. They advised them to take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
Farmers from different states have been camping at Delhi’s Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur and Chilla (Delhi-Noida) border points for nearly two weeks now. They are demanding a repeal of the farm laws enacted in September. The farmers’ unions threatened Thursday also to block railway tracks if their demands are soon.
In a series of tweets, the Delhi Traffic Police said Tikri and Dhansa borders are closed for traffic movement. They also said Jhatikara border is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
Also read: Agitating farmers threaten to block railway tracks if new agri laws not repealed
Those travelling to neighbouring Haryana can take routes via Jharoda (only single carriageway), Daurala, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera borders, the police said.
The announcement to block railway tracks came a day after farmers’ leaders rejected the government’s offer to amend the new agri laws and give a ‘written assurance’ on continuing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
Farmers worry these laws will eliminate the safety net of MSP and do away with mandis that ensure earning. But the government says the MSP system will continue and the new laws will give farmers more options to sell their crop.