The protesting farmers may get permission from the Delhi Police to take out their proposed tractor rally in Delhi on Republic Day. The sources said that the rally will be allowed with a limited number of protesters on the “pre-identified and sanitised” routes and “strict police supervision”.
The Delhi police officials are in discussion with the protesting farmers to drop their plan looking at the sensitivity of the day. But if the farmers try breaching the blockade at the borders, the police might have to use all their power to push them back, the source added.
Permission for the planned rally could only be granted if there is a “mutual consensus” on the route, number of persons and number of tractors.
“We would like to have in advance details of participating farmers including vehicle number, RC details, names of drivers, and co-passengers,” said a senior police officer.
The SC while hearing a plea of the Delhi Police relating to the rally, said that it will not pass any order regarding this as it is a matter of law and order and Delhi Police should deal with these matters.
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Senior police officials said the Delhi Police has made all arrangements for the security of the national capital on the Republic Day this year. Around 87,000 city police personnel could be deployed on duty, supported by heavy barricading at many intersections and checkpoints on highway roads.
“The iron barricading at the borders is being strengthened, and several large vehicles, water cannons and cranes will also be stationed there on Republic Day. The police have identified non-functional CCTV cameras to replace them,” the official added, informing that recently an order has also been issued to ban the operation of “sub-conventional aerial platforms”, including UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons, in the national capital for 27 days beginning January 20.