New Delhi steps up security ahead of rally by protesting farmers

Police in the Indian capital put up barricades, stepped up security and warned of traffic congestion on Thursday as thousands of protesting farmers were due to arrive for a rally in support of their demand for higher crop prices. Thousands of farmers began a 'Delhi Chalo' (Let's go to Delhi) march last month to demand higher guaranteed prices for their crops but were stopped by police armed with tear gas and water cannons about 200 km (125 miles) north of the capital, where they have remained camped since. The protesters, most of who belong to the northern state of Punjab, have urged farmers across the country to gather at Delhi's iconic Ramlila Maidan (ground) on Thursday to escalate their campaign, days before general elections are called.