India: Police and farmers clash during protest march in Delhi Oct. 2

Event

Thousands of protesting farmers with the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) clashed with security forces at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border near Ghaziabad on Tuesday, October 2. The BKU was organizing a ten-day "Kisan Kranti Padyatra" march from Haridwar (Uttarakhand) to New Delhi to demand support from the government. Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police banned public gatherings and processions, deployed police to the Delhi border, and erected barricades to prevent the farmers from entering the national capital territory. Roads from Uttar Pradesh were also closed. Police reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to prevent protesters from breaking through the barricades. Road closures and transportation disruptions are expected in east and northeast Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad for the remainder of the day.

Context

The BKU organized a "Kisan Kranti Padyatra" beginning on September 23 to demand government support for farmers, specifically loan waivers and a lower electricity tariff. The march began in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) and was intended to reach Kisan Ghat (Delhi).

Advice

Individuals in and around Delhi are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, avoid public gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.