In a recent development, the Delhi Police have plastered nails on the streets and dug ditches across main roads in New Delhi in a bid to prevent protesting farmers from entering the capital, as the finance minister delivered the government's annual budget in Parliament today.

Internet and messaging services were blocked in several neighbourhoods on the outskirts where protests turned violent last week during the Republic Day, and security was stepped up around Parliament and other important government offices in the central district.

WATCH: A small report from Tikri Border. Roads dug up, big boulders put and now big nails plastered on streets to stop farmers and tractors from entering the national capital.

I report. pic.twitter.com/VOaxHYSbwo

— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) February 1, 2021

Extensive security arrangements ensured at Tikri Border. pic.twitter.com/lqMIyAvaqt

— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) February 1, 2021

"The government has increased security to avoid any clash or violence when parliament is in session," said a senior official who didn't wish to be named in line with official policy.

"The idea is to keep everyone safe and avoid any escalation in tensions."

Here’s how people reacted to this on Twitter:

Very very shame to be indian under this anti Indian modi govt.

— muthuraj (@muthuraj_madras) February 1, 2021

इतनी सेक्युरिटी अगर LAC पर लगाते तो झूट नही बोलना पड़ता की "न कोई घुसा है"।

— Kya baat hai ! (@InqilabiIndian) February 1, 2021

Advice to farmers, you guys need this! pic.twitter.com/qesVT6BVfc

— Anurag Garg 🤚 (@AnuragGargINC) February 1, 2021

Ridiculous.

— MY INDIA (@WorldCupDefence) February 1, 2021

Koi glti se gir gya phir

— Emraan Khan (@EmraanK46130147) February 1, 2021

Undeclared emergency

— Hhhhhhh (@Harpree53797247) February 1, 2021

The farmers had earlier announced a march to the Parliament on February 1, the day of the Union Budget. However, the decision was withdrawn after the tractor rally became violent on Republic Day.

© BCCL

On January 26, a farmers' procession turned violent, as some protesters broke away from a rally of tractors to storm into the historic Red Fort complex after breaking through barricades and clashing with police.

In the past few days, more farmers have arrived in the capital along with their tractors to join their protesting colleagues at the three major protest sites near New Delhi.

The Delhi police have also adapted new armours after the farmers’ rally turned violent on Republic Day. To defend themselves, the police have been offered what seem to be metal gloves and a special metal lathi with armour around the grip extending to the palms of their hands.

This comes in days after the police were attacked by weapon yielding goons who tried to disguise themselves as farmers participating in the rally, resulting in injuries for a few cops. Hopefully, the new armour will help protect the police from such attacks, but only time will tell how effective the new gear is.

Tell us about your thoughts on these latest developments in the space below.

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