India: Police and security forces deployed at New Delhi border amid continued protests November 28 /update 3

Event

Hundreds of police and paramilitary troops have been deployed on Saturday, November 28, at Delhi's Singhu border as thousands of farmers from Haryana, Punjab, and other neighboring states continue to block roads and main highways into the National Capital Region (NCR) in protest. Farmers' groups have been demonstrating for several days against recent government agricultural legislation, defying the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions on gatherings. On Saturday, protesters refused to relocate to Nirankani Samagan grounds in the Burari area to rally and continue to block the Delhi-Bahadurgarh (NH 9), Delhi-Sonipat (NH 44), and Delhi-Haridwar (NH 34) highways near the Singhu border with Haryana state. Both security forces and farmers have erected barricades. Traffic has been diverted onto other highways leading into Delhi. The latest media reports suggest police have used tear gas, and water cannons to disperse protesters, and that the protesters have begun moving towards Burari.

On Friday, November 27, demonstrators arrived at the border site in trucks, buses, tractors, and on foot and blocked the main highway. Clashes were reported as police fired tear gas and water cannon in attempts to disperse those gathered and stop them from crossing the border into the capital. After several hours, an agreement was made and police permitted them to march into the capital and stage a protest at a designated site.

A heightened security presence is expected. Further clashes between security personnel and protesters are possible. Disruptions to overland travel should be anticipated.

Advice

Those in the area are advised to avoid the vicinity of the demonstration as a precaution, monitor developments, anticipate significant transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.