New Delhi: In a significant development, farmers protesting against various government policies have decided to temporarily suspend their march to Delhi following discussions with officials of Greater Noida, Noida, and Yamuna Authority. The decision was announced after an intense meeting between farmer leaders and the authorities. Farmers have given the central government a week’s ultimatum to address their demands. Meanwhile, they will continue their protests at Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida.
The Noida Expressway, which was barricaded earlier to prevent the march, has now reopened, easing the massive traffic congestion it caused. However, farmers have warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will resume their march to the national capital.
Tense Standoff: Farmers Break Barricades Amid Heavy Police Deployment
The protest escalated on Monday afternoon when farmers, gathering at the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida, attempted to march towards Delhi, aiming to stage a demonstration near Parliament. The police, anticipating the move, halted their advance at Dalit Prerna Sthal, leading to a heated altercation.
Despite heavy barricading at multiple points, including the Chilla border connecting Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, the determined protesters broke through the police blockades. The situation prompted the deployment of Vajra vehicles, RPF personnel, and drone surveillance. Traffic on the Noida Expressway came to a standstill, with a 5-kilometer-long jam reported due to the road’s closure and vehicle checks.
Farmers’ Four Key Demands
The farmers have laid out four primary demands, which include:
- Land-to-Plot Policy: Allocation of 10% developed plots in exchange for acquired land.
- Increased Compensation: Raising compensation for land acquisition to 64.7%.
- Market-Linked Rates: Implementation of the new land acquisition law, ensuring compensation is four times the market rate.
- Employment Benefits: Comprehensive employment and rehabilitation benefits for children of both landholding and landless farmers.
Government Responds: ‘Ready for Dialogue,’ Says Union Minister
Addressing the mounting tension, Union Minister Chirag Paswan reassured that the government is open to discussions with the protesting farmers. “We are ready to listen to their grievances. Previously, we withdrew contentious laws unconditionally, and we will continue to address their concerns,” Paswan stated.
More Farmer Organizations Gear Up for Delhi March
The protest momentum is set to intensify as other prominent farmer organizations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, announced their plans to march to Delhi starting December 6. These groups are primarily advocating for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other critical issues affecting the farming community.
As the one-week deadline approaches, all eyes remain on the central government’s response and the potential resurgence of the ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement.
