26 Jan 2021 | 09:09 AM UTC
India: Clashes occurring between protesting farmers and police in central Delhi Jan. 26 /update 1
Clashes reported in central Delhi, India, Jan. 26, during tractor rally. Increased security, transport disruptions occurring.
Event
Violent protests are occurring in central Delhi, including near ITO metro station, the afternoon of Jan. 26. Farmers are demonstrating in Delhi to demand the repeal of recently passed agricultural laws. While police had allowed farmers to hold processions in outer areas of the city, protesters broke security barricades to enter the inner areas of Delhi. Demonstrators have reportedly vandalized vehicles in the area; confrontations are also occurring in other road borders of Delhi and locations such as Nangloi. Security forces are attempting to disperse the protesters and have fired water cannon and tear gas at demonstrators. Arrests and further clashes are probable.
Security Measures
Security personnel will likely remain deployed in central Delhi through Jan. 26. Officials in multiple areas of Uttar Pradesh State, such as Gautam Buddh Nagar and Noida, have imposed Section 144, which prohibits unauthorized gatherings of more than four people. Enhanced measures, such as road closures and restrictions on public movement and telecommunication services, may occur in other NCR areas. Those traveling to or from Delhi will probably face security checks at checkpoints.
Transport and Commercial Disruptions
Authorities in Delhi have closed the Green Line Metro rail stations, as well as Adarsh Nagar, Azadpur, Civil Lines, GTB Nagar, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Indraprastha, ITO, Jahangir Puri, Lal Qila, Model Town, Rohini Sector 18/19, Samaypur Badli, Vidhan Sabha, and Vishwavidyalaya stations. Additional closures are likely in the coming hours.
Protesters are blocking five border points of Delhi since November 2020, including at Haryana's Bahadurgarh, Singhu, and Tikri areas, as well as those connecting Ghaziabad and Gurugram in Uttar Pradesh State. Affected roadways include national highways 9, 19, 34, 44, and 48; traffic diversions to alternative entry points have also increased congestion on nearby roads. Supply chain disruptions are possible; the movement of emergency vehicles and transport of essential items, such as food, fuel, and medical supplies, may be affected. Fuel stations along affected highways may face long queues or precautionary closures. Authorities have also reduced train and inter-state bus services to Delhi; further disruptions may occur due to protester blockades. Businesses in the NCR may be affected due to workers' inability to travel into and out of Delhi. Lingering disruptions may occur after the protests end as services clear their backlogs.
Context
Farmers claim that the three agricultural amendments passed in September 2020 empower corporate interests over local farmers. The central government maintains that the legislation will improve agricultural income by expanding direct market participation for farmers while continuing existing protections in state-run markets.
Advice
Exercise caution if operating in Delhi, especially in central areas. Monitor trusted local media sources for information on protests and route conditions, as organizers may not announce gathering locations in advance. Avoid all protests due to possible violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, non-governmental building. Plan alternative routes avoiding blocked rail lines and roadways. Allow additional travel time near protests. Confirm business appointments and deliveries in advance. Plan for possible delivery delays; confirm road conditions before routing shipments through affected areas. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official instructions.
