New Delhi—The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services in seven districts to deter farmers’ march to Delhi. The move, affecting dongle services, aims to ensure only voice calls go through until Tuesday night. Security measures, including border sealing and paramilitary deployment, are in place.

The farmers, representing over 200 organizations, are rallying behind demands for legislation guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their agricultural produce, alongside pension and insurance schemes. Notably, mobile internet services will remain suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts until Tuesday night.

With preparations in full swing, Haryana Police have sealed its borders with Punjab to prevent the entry of protesting farmers from the neighboring state en route to Delhi. This measure is likely to cause inconvenience for commuters traveling between Chandigarh and the national capital, with police recommending alternative routes for their journey.

Anticipating traffic disruptions, Haryana Police have cautioned commuters to steer clear of arterial roads on Tuesday. Additionally, stringent security measures have been implemented at the Haryana-Delhi borders, featuring cement barriers, barbed wires, sandbags, water cannons, and drones to deter farmers from entering the capital.
In a show of force, fifty companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed to bolster Haryana Police’s efforts in maintaining law and order. Haryana’s police chief, Shatrujeet Kapur, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt peace, emphasizing the authorities’ commitment to upholding public order.

While the Centre has extended an invitation for talks with protesting farmers on Wednesday, prospects of an immediate resolution remain uncertain. Organized by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the protest has garnered support from various farmers’ organizations, although some have chosen to distance themselves from Tuesday’s demonstration. Notably, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), a prominent participant in the 2020-21 farmers’ protests, has opted to join a separate demonstration on Friday.