Thousands of farmers assembled at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi today for a 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM). Pics/ Screengrabs/Agencies
Updated On: 2024-03-14 11:05 AM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
The protestors, who have gathered at the venue, sloganeered and expressed discontent against the BJP-led Union government's agricultural policies and demanded changes to benefit the farming community.
SKM has vowed to escalate the protest against the Centre's policies, aiming to garner more support from farmers across the country.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory, urging commuters to avoid central Delhi due to the farmers' gathering, leading to potential traffic disruptions.
Delhi Police also assured that they have made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order during the Mahapanchayat, with a focus on minimising disruptions and ensuring safety.
The police granted permission for the event with conditions, including limiting the gathering to 5,000 people and prohibiting tractor-trolleys marches to Ramlila Maidan.
Speaking to the media, SKM leader Darshan Pal said that since they first began the farmers' movement in 2020 and came to Delhi, they have expanded their network. He also said that they have drawn regulations to follow while protesting.
The Mahapanchayat aims to make a political statement against the BJP government's "anti-farmer" policies, Pal said and claimed the centre had allegedly betrayed farmers and called for unity among farmers and workers.
SKM plans to declare the future course of action, including strategies ahead of the upcoming general election and ongoing struggles for farmers' rights and livelihoods and also adopt a Sankalp Patra or Letter of Resolution.
SKM called on various organisations and unions to join the Mahapanchayat, aiming to rally widespread support and strengthen the movement against pro-corporate policies.