Punjab-Haryana border sealed, prohibitory orders in 15 districts amid farmers' march

The Haryana authorities sealed the state's border with Punjab at many places in Ambala, Jind and Fatehabad districts with concrete blocks, road spike barriers and barbed wires to thwart a proposed march to Delhi by farmers on February 13.

The Haryana government also imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, which prohibits assembly of five or more people, in 15 districts, banning any kind of demonstration or march in tractor-trolleys.

The Chandigarh administration also imposed Section 144 in the city for a period of 60 days in the view of the proposed march.

The Haryana government's massive arrangements drew a sharp reaction from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who asked the Manohar Lal Khattar government not to "create a border between India and Punjab".

Mann also said the Khattar government has placed as much barbed wires at the state's borders with Punjab as is there at the country's border with Pakistan.

However, Khattar justified the steps taken by his government to seal the state's borders and stop Punjab farmers from marching towards the national capital, saying the arrangements are aimed at maintaining law and order.