A petition seeking the immediate removal or dispersal of the mass gathering of farmers on the Delhi borders was presented to the Supreme Court on Friday as the farmers’ ongoing protest entered its ninth day. The petitioner said that the meeting that led to the closure of many routes is blocking essential supply to the city, in addition to apprehending that it can lead to community transmission of Covid-19.
“It is pertinent to point out that in view of the prevention of the community spread of the Coronavirus pandemic disease, it is very necessary to withdraw the meeting,” said the allegation. “This protest is further blocking the roads for all medical / emergency services that need to be supplied with the Delhi territory to stop the spread of the coronavirus, as the cases of coronavirus patients are increasing rapidly in Delhi and many people were traveling frequently to Delhi from different states to receive treatment at the large government hospitals located in Delhi, ”the petition adds.
As another round of talks between farmers’ representatives and Union ministers is scheduled to take place on December 5, the protest continues, although Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday urged farmers to withdraw their protests.
The public interest litigation, brought by defender Om Prakash Parihar, said protesters should be moved elsewhere and should comply with appropriate Covid-19 behavior.
“Although the Police have assigned an exclusive place for the protesters to protest peacefully, the protesters are not moving / moving to the assigned place and to create problems for the travelers, they have blocked the borders. Also, due to its large number of protesters, the police cannot control such a large gathering, ”said the PIL.
Security personnel at the border points – Singhu, Tikri, Chilla and Ghazipur – stand guard, as the ongoing protests entered their ninth day on Friday.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have suggested alternative routes for travelers entering or leaving the city.
Security personnel remained deployed at the Singhu, Tikri, Chilla and Ghazipur border points as farmers continued their protests on Friday. Several routes in and around the capital are closed on Friday and vehicles are allowed on some other routes under restrictions. The Delhi Traffic Police on Twitter informed travelers about the closure of the Singhu, Lampur, Auchandi, Safiabad, Piao Maniyari and Saboli borders. National Highway 44 is also closed on both sides. The Chilla border on the Noida link highway and the Ghazipur border on National Highway 24 are also closed.
The Tikri and Jharoda borders are closed to any traffic movement, while the Badusarai border is open only to light motor vehicles such as cars and two-wheelers. The Jhatikara border is open for two-wheelers only.
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