Indian farmers refuse to vacate protest site, security tightened

Ghazipur - Uttar Pradesh government warns protesting farmers of forceful evacuation.

Farmers staging a protest against Indian government’s new agriculture laws at Ghazipur border outside the national capital said that they do not accept administration’s notice to vacate the protest site despite government’s warnings and tightened security.

“We do not accept the notices given by the government. No returning to the homes until and unless the laws are taken back. We are protesting here peacefully,” said a farmer from Rampur district.

Another farmer from Bilaspur tehsil protesting at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border said: “Notices cannot end protests; they will end only after our demands are met.”

This comes after the Ghaziabad district administration ordered protestors at the Ghazipur border to vacate the area by Thursday evening. The administration said if protestors did not act as per order then they will be forcefully evacuated by night.

On the contrary, Uttar Pradesh Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) deployed at the Ghazipur border left the protest site late at night on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police officials said some Delhi borders have been closed and traffic has been diverted.

“Singhu, Auchandi, Mangesh, Saboli, Piau Maniyari borders closed. Lampur, Safiabad, Singhu school and Palla toll tax borders opened. Traffic diverted from NH-44 near Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Narela. Avoid Outer Ring Road, GT Karnal road and NH-44,” the Delhi Traffic Police informed on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Central government has extended deployment period of four companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) till February 4 to maintain law and order in Ghaziabad in view of the farmers’ protest.

Heavy security deployment continues at Tikri Border while Uttar Pradesh police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel have been deployed at Ghazipur border.

• India