The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police announced the enforcement of restrictions under CrPC Section 144, including a ban on unauthorised public gatherings, across the district ahead of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions on Friday.
In light of the proposed protest marches by the farmers’ body Samyukta Kisan Morcha or SKM and other unions, commuters travelling to and from Delhi were cautioned about traffic diversions in Noida, with citizens encouraged to utilize the metro rail service to minimize inconvenience.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union or BKU, a member of SKM, had earlier declared a Bharat Bandh for February 16, citing numerous unaddressed farmer demands. The Noida-based Bharatiya Kisan Parishad or BKP has thrown its weight behind Friday’s Bharat Bandh.
“Given the planned protest demonstrations by SKM and various organisations, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is being enforced on February 16,” stated the police.
According to the directive, gatherings of five or more individuals, unauthorised processions or demonstrations, including political or religious, are prohibited. The order prohibits the use of private drones within a one-kilometer radius of government establishments, along with the possession of weapons like sticks, rods, tridents, swords, firearms, and similar items in public spaces.
In a traffic advisory, the police outlined intensive checks to be conducted at all Noida-Delhi borders, leading to potential traffic diversions. The advisory urged commuters heading to Delhi to utilise the metro to alleviate traffic congestion. Additionally, restrictions were announced for the movement of goods vehicles on specific routes to minimise traffic disruptions.
BKU leader Pawan Khatana insisted during the Bharat Bandh, farmers were urged to abstain from work for a day to pressure the government into addressing their demands. He stated protesters would remain within their areas and refrain from marching towards Delhi.
While some traders advocated for dialogue between protesting farmers and the government to swiftly resolve issues, the BKP extended its support to the Bharat Bandh, planning a gathering outside the NTPC office in Sector 24 to advance their cause.
