Farmers’ protest disrupts traffic in Delhi.
Farmers to March Towards Parliament to Press Key Demands
Farmers are set to march towards the Parliament complex in Delhi on Monday, demanding immediate attention to five key issues affecting their livelihoods. The protest, organized by several farmer unions, comes as part of their ongoing struggle to secure better policies for the agricultural sector and address long-standing grievances.
The five primary demands include the implementation of a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, the repeal of controversial farm laws, compensation for families of farmers who have died during protests, debt relief for farmers, and the strengthening of public procurement systems. The farmer unions have vowed to continue their protests until these demands are met.
In preparation for the march, Noida police have issued a traffic advisory, warning commuters to expect significant disruptions in and around Delhi due to the farmers’ protest. Several major routes, including those leading to the border areas and key locations such as India Gate and ITO, may be affected by the large gathering.
Authorities have asked the public to plan their travel accordingly, suggesting alternate routes to avoid congestion. Traffic diversions are expected to be in place, and security personnel will be deployed to maintain order. Commuters are advised to stay updated on road conditions through official traffic updates.
The farmers’ march to Parliament aims to intensify their demands for justice and highlight the difficulties they face in the current agricultural climate. With the government under pressure to address these issues, the protest is expected to gain attention across the political spectrum.
Noida Police Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead of Farmers’ March Towards Parliament
Noida: In preparation for the farmers’ protest set to take place on Monday, the Noida Police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory detailing several restrictions and diversions aimed at managing the anticipated disruptions. The farmers are marching towards the Parliament complex in Delhi to press their five key demands, which have been the focal point of ongoing protests across India.
The protest, organized by various farmer unions, aims to bring attention to long-standing issues within the agricultural sector, including the demands for a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, the repeal of controversial farm laws, compensation for families of farmers who died during the protests, debt relief for farmers, and the strengthening of public procurement systems. The march towards the Parliament is intended to intensify their call for action on these issues, signaling a continuation of the farmers’ agitation that began in late 2020.
Traffic Restrictions and Diversions
The Noida Police have predicted heavy traffic congestion due to the march, particularly along routes leading towards Delhi and the Parliament complex. The advisory urges commuters to plan their travel in advance and avoid key areas likely to be affected by the protest. Traffic diversions are expected to be in place, and several major routes are likely to be closed for a period of time.
The advisory highlights several key points for commuters:
- Diversions in Noida and Greater Noida: Traffic routes leading to major entry points into Delhi, including the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Delhi-Noida-Direct (DND) Flyway, are expected to face significant disruptions. The Noida Police have advised commuters to use alternative routes and avoid these high-traffic areas.
- Restriction on Entry to Delhi: Vehicles traveling from Noida into Delhi should expect delays at border points, including the Chilla Border and Kalindi Kunj, as well as other entry points where farmers will be converging. Entry into these areas could be restricted temporarily to manage the movement of the protestors.
- Alternate Routes: The advisory urges commuters to use alternative routes like the Yamuna Expressway, if heading to destinations in Greater Noida or beyond, as this will help alleviate congestion on major routes. Commuters heading towards Delhi’s central areas are advised to plan their journey well in advance to avoid being caught in the protest’s vicinity.
- Public Transport Disruptions: With the protest scheduled to take place during peak hours, bus services and the metro in the surrounding areas of Noida and Delhi are likely to be delayed or diverted. The advisory recommends commuters use the Delhi Metro services on routes that are not expected to be affected by the protests.
- Check Traffic Updates: The Noida Police have urged the public to regularly check traffic updates through official channels and social media handles to stay informed of the latest diversions and road conditions.
Farmers’ Five Key Demands
The march by farmers is being organized to amplify their five key demands, which have been central to their struggle for over three years:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) for All Crops: Farmers are demanding that the government guarantees a minimum support price for all agricultural produce. They argue that this will ensure farmers receive a fair price for their crops and protect them from market fluctuations.
- Repeal of the Farm Laws: The farmer unions have been advocating for the complete repeal of three controversial farm laws introduced by the government in 2020. The laws, which aim to deregulate agricultural markets, have been opposed by farmers who fear they will lead to reduced incomes and less security for small-scale farmers.
- Compensation for Farmers’ Families: The families of farmers who have died during the protests are seeking compensation. Thousands of farmers have died since the protests began, and the unions have been demanding the government provide financial assistance and recognition of their sacrifice.
- Debt Relief for Farmers: The farmers’ unions have been pressing for a nationwide debt relief program to ease the burden on farmers who are struggling with loans and financial hardship. They argue that many farmers are forced into debt traps due to poor crop yields and rising input costs.
- Strengthening of Public Procurement Systems: The farmers also seek a stronger public procurement system for their produce, ensuring that they are able to sell their crops at a fair price to government agencies without being subjected to market forces that exploit their vulnerability.
Authorities Preparing for the March
In anticipation of the large turnout, security personnel and law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protest. The farmers have been encouraged to march peacefully, and the police are coordinating with the farmer unions to prevent any untoward incidents.
The protest, which is expected to draw thousands of farmers from across the country, has generated significant political attention. As the government continues to face pressure on these issues, the march towards Parliament represents a pivotal moment in the farmers’ ongoing struggle for their demands.
As the march progresses towards the Parliament complex, it will likely continue to shape public discourse on agricultural reforms, with both supporters and critics weighing in on the movement’s effectiveness in bringing about change.