Farmers’ 'Dilli Chalo' March Spurs Internet Suspension, Heightened Security In Ambala

Mobile internet services and bulk messaging have been suspended in parts of Haryana's Ambala district until December 9, shortly before a farmers' group under the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) banner began a renewed 'Dilli Chalo' march.

The order, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, cited "an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, and damage of public and private property."

It further noted "a clear potential... of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being/could be transmitted/circulated to the public..."

As a result, mobile internet and related services have been suspended in the villages of Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru.

District authorities have also prohibited gatherings of five or more people and ordered all government and private schools to remain closed for the day.

Police have strengthened security at the Ambala-Delhi border, employing multi-layered barricades on National Highway 44 and deploying water cannons.

"We have made adequate security arrangements (and) have appealed to the farmers to maintain the peace. They have been told to obtain permission from Delhi Police (and) we will allow them to proceed only if they have this permission," stated Surinder Singh Bhoria, Ambala's Superintendent of Police.

Over 100 farmers are set to begin a foot march from the Shambhu border crossing at 1 pm, pressing for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Legal backing for MSP remains a central demand of farmers nationwide and has been a focal point of protests since September 2020.

The farmers' demands also include debt waivers, pensions for themselves and agricultural workers, no hikes in power tariffs, and the withdrawal of police cases. Additionally, they are seeking justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Farmers have been camping at the Shambhu border and the Khanauri checkpoint on the Punjab-Haryana border since February 13 after a previous march was blocked. This marks the second attempt by farmers to march on the national capital this week.

Earlier on Monday, farmers from Uttar Pradesh attempted to march towards Parliament but were stopped at the Delhi-Noida border, causing significant traffic congestion on both sides.