Farmers' chakka jam: All you need to know about nationwide road blockade on February 6

NEW DELHI: The farmer unions protesting against the Centre's newly-enacted farm laws have called for a countrywide 'chakka jam' on February 6.
They would block all roads, national and state highways for three hours, 12 noon to 3 pm, on Saturday throughout the nation except Delhi.
The latest move is in response to the central government's handling of the prolonged agitation, the contentious farm laws, internet ban in areas near agitation sites, budgetary allocation and other issues.
Follow TOI's live blog for latest updates on famers protest
After the Republic Day tractor rally, this will be the first big event that will be organised by the agitating farmers who have been protesting at different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year.

Here's all you need to know about nationwide chakka jam on February 6-
Chakka jam to be held pan-India, except Delhi: Tikait
Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait today said chakka jam will be held peacefully across the country on February 6.
He also said the blockade will not be done in Delhi but will take place in other parts of the National Capital Region, comprising parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, and the rest of country including the southern states.
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait talks to media
"The people who get stuck will be given food and water, we will peacefully talk to them and explain our point," he added.
Delhi Police tightens security
Security at Delhi border points near the three protest sites has been tightened by deploying extra forces and putting up multi-layered barricades, barbed wires and nails studded on the roads.
The police will also be monitoring content on the social media to keep a watch on those spreading rumours against the force, officials said.

A senior police officer said to prevent any law and order situation and disruption of normal life during the chakka jam, adequate forces are being deployed across the outer-north district of Delhi Police.
Haryana Police steps up security
Haryana police have stepped up security measures, and the senior police officers have been asked to personally supervise security and traffic arrangements at vital junctions and roads.
On the other hand, district police chiefs have been directed to ensure adequate personnel deployment, according to an official communication issued to them.
Haryana minister Anil Vij's appeal to farmers
Haryana Home and Health Minister Anil Vij has appealed to the peasant leaders to call off the chakka jam.
Vij said, "Biggest problems in the world and even international issues are solved through dialogue." The government is always ready for talks and the protesting farmers must come forward, he added.
Haryana health minister Anil Vij
He also said that in a democracy everyone has the right to protest and hold dharnas, "but while exercising that right, one should also keep in mind that they should not violate the rights of others and common people should not be inconvenienced."
Delhi Police Commissioner meets Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner S N Shrivastava, ahead of the chakka jam, sources said.
Shrivastava is believed to have briefed the home minister about the security being in place in the city and the steps being taken for Saturday's protest called by the farmers.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present in the meeting, the sources said.
Will not support farmer unions chakka jam on February 6: Bharatiya Kisan Sangh
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Thursday said that it will not support farmer unions 'chakka jam' call.
"Now, the protest at all the borders of Delhi is very much political and it is clearly visible that this has become political propaganda," BKS General Seceratery Badri Narayan Choudhary was quoted by ANI as saying.
The BKS has also expressed concern that some anti-social elements may participate in the February 6 protest. "We need to be careful as it can damage the peace and harmony of our country," he added.
CRPF fitting wire mesh on its buses on 'war footing'
While Delhi Police started repositioning nails installed on the roads at various national capital borders, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has asked all units deployed in Delhi to fit their buses with wire mesh.
CRPF in its letter, has said that the work should be done on 'war footing' and should be completed before Saturday. The deployment of CRPF's 31 companies have been extended for two more weeks in Delhi-NCR.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting since late November at Delhi's borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding a rollback of the three agri laws: Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.
The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for dismantling the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.
However, the government has maintained that the new laws will bring better farmers' opportunities and help introduce new technologies in agriculture.
(with inputs from agencies)