Traffic in Delhi and Noida came to a grinding halt on Monday as farmers from more than 20 districts started their ‘Delhi Chalo March’ to Parliament. The march was organized by Bhartiya Kisan Parishad along with other farmer organizations to draw the attention of the Centre towards long-pending demands like compensation under new agricultural laws and rehabilitation of landless farmers.
Major routes like the Chilla border and DND flyway saw a car crawl as commuters faced gridlock. Miles of vehicles could be seen stuck in the traffic as heavy barricading and security checks contributed to the slow pace. Drivers have been advised by the police to take alternative routes, including Sector-14A flyover and Kalindi Kunj, to avoid the affected areas.
The Delhi Police and traffic authorities have heightened security across the capital. Vehicles are being checked at checkposts and many diversions have been enforced to contain the flux of protesters. Farmers under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Punjab-Haryana borders since February to press for their demands.
Farmers’ Demands Through Delhi Chalo March
The protesters are demanding more compensation for the acquired land, amenities for landless farmers, and implementation of the High Power Committee resolutions. Employment guarantee and proper compensation rates at current market rates for the lands acquired after 2014 are also being sought.
BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa said, “We will march under the Maha Maya flyover and head towards the Parliament to demand justice. We expect the government to address our concerns.”
Their ire reflects larger, unresolved problems of finding a fine balance between farmers’ rights and economic growth in agriculture policy as the farmers press towards the central part of Delhi. The police said traffic is unpredictable in Delhi, so commuters should consider this when planning their travel routes.
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