Centre demands stadium to be used as jail for farmers, Delhi govt refuses

The Delhi government has rejected a request by the Centre to convert Bawana Stadium into a jail in view of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.

Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot said the demands of the farmers are genuine and it would be wrong to arrest them.

He added that the farmers are 'annadata' and arresting them would be like rubbing salt into their wounds.

"It is the constitutional right of every citizen to make a peaceful protest," said Gahlot.

Gahlot further suggested the Centre to invite the protesting farmers for talks and find a solution to their problems.

Meanwhile, massive security arrangements have been put in place at the city borders. CrPC Section 144 has been imposed and entry of tractor trolleys and other vehicles carrying protesters has been prohibited.

Visuals from Delhi's Gazipur border, Shambhu border and Tikri border showed barricades and barbed wires erected on the roads.

Also watch: 'Delhi Chalo' march: IGI airport issues travel advisory amid traffic diversions

The farmer leaders decided to go ahead with the march after their talks with two Union ministers regarding their demands remained inconclusive.