Massive Traffic Jams, Tight Security At DND Flyway As Farmers March From Noida To Delhi

Farmers Converge on Delhi, Disrupting Traffic in Dispute Over Agricultural Benefits

Noida, India – Heavy traffic clogged the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border as farmers, led by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), marched from Noida and Greater Noida toward the capital city on Monday. The demonstration brought heavy security presence to the area, witnessed by deployed police officers, RAF personnel, and riot control vehicles at the Chilla border.

The march, planned by BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa, centers around demands for compensation and benefits promised under new agricultural laws. "We are ready for our march toward Delhi. Tomorrow, December 2, we will start our march towards Delhi from under the Maha Maya flyover (In Noida). At noon, all of us will reach there and demand our compensation and benefits as per the new laws," Khalifa announced to ANI.

This action follows a series of demonstrations against agricultural policies, with additional marches planned in the coming weeks. Organizations including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) have scheduled demonstrations starting December 6, demanding a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) along with other grievances.

Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyan Singh Rana expressed criticism of the upcoming farmer’s march, arguing that the farmers lack legitimate concerns. “They have no issues. The previous farmers’ agitation had an issue – the three farm laws. Those three laws were later repealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The farmers’ agitation has caused losses to Punjab," Rana stated.

However, farmers maintain their commitment to pressing for their demands. Sarwan Singh Pandhair, General Secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), announced that farmers protesting at the Shambhu border (Punjab-Haryana border) will also join the march to Delhi on December 6.

The ongoing discontent stems from a history of farmer protests, including a significant demonstration which blocked highways across Punjab in October, demanding timely paddy procurement.

In anticipation of Monday’s demonstration, the Gautam Budh Nagar police issued an advisory warning commuters of potential traffic disruptions and recommending alternative routes. They also established a helpline number (9971009001) and encouraged the use of the metro to minimize inconvenience.

The march highlights the ongoing tension surrounding agricultural policies in India and the continuing efforts by farmers to secure their livelihood.

#WATCH | Police, RAF personnel and Riot Control Vehicle deployed at Delhi-UP Chilla border, in view of a call by some farmer organisations to march to Delhi over their various demands pic.twitter.com/vLMqqX45b6— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2024