Tikri, Singhu borders sealed as farmers rally for Delhi entry

New Delhi: Even as hundreds of farmers on Friday rallied at interstate borders to enter Delhi for their proposed protest against the three central agricultural laws, Delhi Police said it had decided to close Tikri and Singhu entry points.

The Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid roads and stretches on the Delhi- Haryana border due to crowds of farmers who were adamant on marching into Delhi. Hundreds of commuters have already been left stranded and stuck in traffic jams and snarls on these roads.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protesting farmers had gathered on the Delhi-Haryana borders, after which Delhi Police used tear-gas shells and water cannons to push them back.

"Tikri border is completely closed to traffic movement. Traffic intending to go towards Haryana is also closed. All motorists are advised to avoid this route in view of the protest by the farmers," the Delhi Traffic Police advised.

Traffic was heavy on the carriageway from Peeragarhi towards Punjabi Bagh due to checking by police at Ordnance Depot. The Traffic Police requested motorists to avoid the stretch.

Heavy traffic congestion was also seen on the Delhi-Gurugram border as police along with paramilitary forces were deployed to check incoming vehicles.

"Obstruction in traffic on the carriageway from Gurgaon towards Dhaula Kuan due to checking by local police near Dhaula Kuan police chowki. Kindly avoid the stretch," a senior Delhi Traffic Police officer said.

Police also advised people to avoid Outer Ring Road, Mukarba Chowk, GTK Road, NH-44 and Singhu border areas.

"Commuters are requested to avoid Mukarba Chowk since there is a traffic diversion and vehicles are not allowed to move towards the Singhu boarder. Interstate vehicles may take the Western/Eastern peripheral expressway," the officer added.

Police was also checking vehicles at the DND e-way and National Highway-24 crossings adjoining Uttar Pradesh.

Around 500 organisations of farmers from various states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh etc had planned to hold protests in Delhi from November 26-27 to demand repeal of the farm laws.