CCTVs, fans, and WiFi: How farmers at Singhu border are prepping for prolonged protest

As a resolution of the stalemate between the Centre and the protests over the farm laws seems unlikely anytime soon, the agitators are enhancing the protest site at the Singhu border with the installation of CCTV cameras for better security, electric fans to beat the heat in the coming months and a separate optical fibre line for wifi in case of another internet shutdown at the border. 

“We are strengthening our communication and other infrastructure to continue the agitation for a long period,” said Deep Khatri, who is associated with managing logistics at the Singhu Border protest site.

The protesting farmers at the Singhu border, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, have said that they will continue their protest indefinitely until the repeal of the three farm laws by the Narendra Modi-led government and the extension of a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. 

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A total of 100 CCTV cameras have been installed at the main stage of the protest site, which is used by the Morcha, and at some spots across the stretch of the site on the GT Karnal Road in a bid to increase security measures and keep miscreants at bay. 

Khatri said that they are also readying a control room behind the main stage, from where they will monitor and keep a tab on the activities at the protest site. He added that a team of 600 volunteers will also be patrolling the protest site at the Singhu border, managing traffic, and will be keeping a watch at night. 

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There is also work on to install large LCD screens at 10 vantage points at a distance of 700-800 metres, that will help the protesting farmers to watch activities, like speeches of the leaders from the main stage. 

Khatri said that these points will be also be used as pit stops for ambulances and a team of volunteers to “coordinate traffic management, patrolling and response in case of any emergency.”

He added that the Morcha is also hiring a separate optical fibre for wifi facility for continued internet services even after disruptions. 

Khatri said in view of the approaching summer, electric fans and air conditioners are also being installed at the main stage used by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other facilities are being strengthened there.

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The farmers are protesting at Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri border points of Delhi since November, demanding that the Centre scrap the new farm legislation.

The stalemate over the farm laws continues as 11 rounds of talks between the Central government ministers and farmer leaders have failed to achieve any breakthrough.

Tikait had on Wednesday said the government should talk to the farmer leaders to find a solution to the issues at hand.