The Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), and Gautam Buddh Nagar Police in Noida have imposed prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144. The restrictions, encompassing a ban on unauthorized public assemblies, are set to be enforced across the district on Friday. The move comes as various farmers’ organizations, citing unmet demands, plan protest marches and demonstrations.
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), a constituent of the SKM, had earlier announced a Bharat Bandh scheduled for February 16. The Noida-based Bharatiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) has also pledged its support to the day-long strike. As part of the enforcement measures, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is invoked, prohibiting unlawful assemblies of five or more individuals, unauthorized processions, or demonstrations—whether political or religious—in public spaces.
The order also includes restrictions on the use of private drones within a one-kilometer radius of government establishments. Additionally, it prohibits individuals from carrying items such as sticks, rods, tridents, swords, firearms, and similar objects in public places during the specified period.
Gautam Buddh Nagar Police issued a traffic advisory, informing commuters about intensive checks at all Noida-Delhi borders, causing potential disruptions in vehicular movement. To mitigate the inconvenience, citizens are urged to utilize metro rail services for travel to and from Delhi. The advisory also notes restrictions on the movement of goods vehicles along specific routes, with alternative pathways suggested to alleviate traffic congestion.
BKU leader Pawan Khatana emphasized that farmers participating in the Bharat Bandh are encouraged to refrain from agricultural activities and market visits for the day. Traders and transporters have been urged to join the strike in solidarity.
Expressing concerns over the impact of frequent farmer movements on business activities, Sushil Kumar Jain, President of Noida’s Sector 18 Market Association, called for dialogue between protesting farmers and the government to swiftly address the issues at hand. The BKP, concurrently protesting against local authorities functioning under the state government, announced their support for the Bharat Bandh, with plans to gather outside the NTPC office in Sector 24 during the strike.