On thursday thousands of farmers, led by Bhartiya Kisan Parishad, ‘en route’ to Parliament, attempted to reach the Delhi-Noida border were halted by the police near the Mahamaya Flyover, leading to significant traffic congestion on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and DND.
Two protests are going on simultaneously, Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait stood in solidarity with protestors in Greater Noida, where his Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) members have been staging demonstrations outside the local authority office. Similarly, in Noida, protestors, under the leadership of the Bharatiya Kisan Parishad, have been maintaining camps outside the local authority office since December 2023.
Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Nityanand Rai, and Arjun Munda have been tasked with travelling to Chandigarh to engage with farmer leaders a week prior to the scheduled Delhi March on February 13, organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Farmer leader Sukhbir Khalifa stated, "We've communicated with the Commissioner, who has formed a high-power committee to assess the legitimacy of our concerns...We're committed to advocating for our rights. Should our grievances continue to be disregarded, we'll proceed with our march to Delhi...For now, we're clearing the road...Our meeting with the Commissioner is scheduled for 8 pm."
The police have cautioned farmers against joining a planned march to Delhi next week without permission and have warned of severe consequences for any damage to public property. Notices have been issued to farmer organizations preparing to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation on February 13, urging them to adhere to the law.
Noida DCP Vidhya Sagar Mishra stated, "We have engaged with leaders of farmer organizations and proposed the formation of a high-power committee, which they have accepted. Today's march has concluded, and our focus now is on restoring normal traffic movement. Additional police forces have been deployed for this purpose."
Massive Traffic on Noida-Delhi Border
As of 1 pm, extensive traffic congestion plagued various key locations including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, DND loop, Kanlindi Kunj bridge, areas surrounding Dalit Prerna Sthal, Atta Chowk, and Rajnigandha Chowk in Noida. Similarly, congestion was evident at Pari Chowk in Greater Noida.
Reportedly, Noida police officials said that Section 144 has been imposed and all the borders have been sealed for 24 hours. Heavy security deployment at all the borders. Arrangements have been made so that the people do not face any trouble. Security has been heightened. "We are in talks with the farmers. All the vehicles are being checked," he said.
Traffic restrictions will be enforced from Golchakkar Chowk Sector 15 to Sector 06 Chowki Chowk and from Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk to Harola Chowk. Diversions will be in place at Golchakkar Chowk Sector 15, Rajnigandha Chowk, Sector 06 Chowki Chowk, Jhundpura Chowk, and Sector 8, 10, 11, and 12 Chowks, as well as Harola Chowk.
Pickets and barricades were set up at border areas connecting Delhi-Haryana and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi Traffic Police issued warnings about heavy traffic on routes linked to several borders, including Soniya Vihar, DND, Chilla, Gazipur, Sabhapur, Apsara, and Loni on Thursday.
Alternative routes are recommended to minimize inconvenience, and emergency vehicles will be guided along safe routes. Additionally, the Delhi Traffic Police have cautioned about heavy traffic on routes connected to Soniya Vihar, DND, Chilla, Gazipur, Sabhapur, Apsara, and Loni borders on Thursday.
Why are farmers protesting?
Farmers in Noida and Greater Noida, pushing for developed plots from the government, have ramped up their protest by marching towards Parliament on Thursday. The demonstration kicked off at the Delhi-Noida Chilla border, with farmers voicing multiple demands, including a hike in compensation.
Gathered under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha, farmers assembled at Noida Sector 24 and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority's office. They advocated for 10 percent of abadi land, emphasizing their main request for the allocation of such plots or comparable compensation in exchange for the land acquired for development projects.
Since December 2023, farmers in Noida and Greater Noida have been protesting, calling for higher compensation and developed plots in exchange for land acquired by local authorities. In December 2023, they held a mahapanchayat at the Noida Authority office, demanding 10 percent abadi plots or equivalent compensation dating back to 1997. Their ongoing protest, which began in 2019, included a prolonged sit-in at the Authority office during 2020-21. They are also seeking jobs for their children and free education in private schools.
Photo: X
(Inputs from Agencies)
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