Delhi: Red Fort shuts down temporarily for visitors amid farmers protest

As per the latest news reports, the historical Red Fort in Delhi has been sealed off amid escalating tensions surrounding the farmer protests gripping the national capital. In response to queries about the reopening of the 17th-century monument, the senior official stated, “The decision rests with the security agencies.”

Reports add that security measures in Delhi have been heightened, featuring multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls at border points. These measures aim to prevent the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers from entering the national capital on Tuesday, following inconclusive talks between farm leaders and the Centre.

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The Shambhu border point, a critical juncture for farmers heading to Delhi as part of their ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement, has become a focal point of unrest. A senior official stated that the Red Fort complex is currently closed to visitors, and its reopening depends on the decisions of security agencies.

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Delhi is now fortified with increased security measures, including multiple barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails, and container walls at border points, aiming to thwart the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers. The events mirror the unsettling scenes of January 26, 2021, when protesting farmers breached barricades, leading to chaos and riots in the national capital. On that day, police and paramilitary personnel were seen scrambling over a 15-foot wall at the Red Fort complex to escape attackers armed with lathis.

Fast forward to the present day, tear gas was deployed against farmers gathered at the Punjab-Haryana border, resulting in a chaotic scene with thick smoke obstructing visibility. Hundreds of farmers and media personnel fled in response to the tear gas shells.

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The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha announced that farmers would march towards Delhi to press the government on their demands. Primary among these demands is the enactment of a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Other issues include the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, compensation for farmers killed in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the withdrawal of cases against those involved in the farmers’ movement.

Despite a post-midnight agreement on some of these issues, the farmers remain resolute, asserting that the promises made by the government two years ago have not been fulfilled. The unfolding events raise concerns about the potential for renewed clashes between farmers and security forces, highlighting the unresolved tensions and complex negotiations between the government and the agricultural community.

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