Farmers protest

Despite this proposal, the farmers informed the ministers that they would provide their response after further deliberations at 10 a.m. on Monday.

Initially, internet services were halted from February 12 to 16 owing to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.

The meeting, slated for 5 pm, will see the presence of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. The agenda revolves around addressing the various demands put forth by the farmers, notably the enactment of legislation ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce.

Mishra highlighted the adverse consequences that often accompany movements orchestrated under the guise of advocating for farmers' rights but driven by political motives. Such actions, he argued, lead to violence, disruption, and damage to national assets, ultimately fostering negative perceptions towards farmers.

The scene at the border turned chaotic as farmers employed tractors to remove cemented blocks placed by the police as barricades on the Ghaggar river bridge to impede their progress.

Ghazipur border area witnessed severe traffic congestion as well, attributed to the stringent security measures put in place by the police. Traffic flow was restricted, with only two vehicles permitted to pass at a time along a critical stretch connecting Noida and Delhi, lined with barricades.

In anticipation of the proposed march, authorities in Haryana have reinforced the borders with Punjab in Ambala, Jind, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, and Sirsa using various deterrents such as concrete blocks, iron nails, and barbed wire.

Concrete blocks, road spike barriers, and barbed wires have been installed to deter the entry of vehicles, while thousands of police personnel have been deployed. Prohibitory orders have also been imposed to maintain law and order.