Mon Dec 02 10:04:15 UTC 2024: ## Farmers’ Marches on Delhi Spark Security Concerns and Traffic Disruptions

**NOIDA, INDIA** – A planned farmers’ protest march towards Delhi has prompted authorities to implement heightened security measures and traffic diversions across Noida and its borders. Thousands of farmers are expected to converge on the capital to demand various concessions related to land acquisition, agricultural reforms, and the implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP).

The Noida Police have implemented a three-tier security plan, deploying approximately 5,000 police personnel and 1,000 personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) at various checkpoints. Traffic advisories are in effect, urging commuters to utilize the metro system to mitigate expected congestion. A ban has been placed on goods vehicles traveling from the Yamuna Expressway and Sirsa to avoid further bottlenecks. Several key routes have been identified for diversions.

Several farmer organizations, including the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP), Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), are participating in the protests. The BKP initiated their march on December 2nd, while the KMM and SKM plan a larger foot march starting December 6th from the Shambhu border. This latter march, spanning 235 km, aims to pressure the government to address 12 demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP.

The Supreme Court has urged protesters to maintain peaceful demonstrations without disrupting public access to vital routes, such as the Khanauri border. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has also appealed for dialogue to resolve farmers’ concerns, emphasizing the importance of addressing their issues swiftly. However, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyan Singh Rana has criticized the protest, claiming the farmers lack legitimate grievances.

The protests stem from ongoing dissatisfaction over land acquisition policies and the lack of perceived government action on previously raised concerns. Farmers have been staging demonstrations for months, demanding compensation, welfare benefits, and the fulfillment of promises made regarding agricultural reforms. The ongoing demonstrations and the planned marches are causing significant disruption in the Delhi-NCR region.

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