NEW DELHI: Farmers from across Uttar Pradesh, demanding fair compensation for land acquired by the government, staged a massive protest at the Noida-Delhi border on Monday.
They were eventually stopped at the Noida-Delhi border, where they staged a sit-in protest and warned that if their demands were not met within seven days, they would resume their march to the national capital.
The agitation, led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), was part of a “Delhi Chalo” march aimed at drawing Parliament’s attention during its Winter Session.
Raising slogans of “Bol Kisan, Halla Bol,” the farmers began their march from the Dadri-Noida link road around 11:30 am, converging at the Mahamaya flyover. Despite heavy barricading and security deployment by the Uttar Pradesh Police, the protesters pushed forward, causing significant traffic disruptions, especially at the Chilla border, a key entry point to Delhi. Bumper-to-bumper traffic left commuters stranded for hours.
The march was eventually halted near Dalit Prerna Sthal, a kilometre from the Chilla border. After assurances from authorities that Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary would address their grievances, the farmers agreed to temporarily suspend their march.
What are the farmers demanding?
The farmers are demanding immediate payment of dues as per the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, along with resolution of land rights issues that have plagued project-affected farmers for over two decades. Key projects in Greater Noida, Noida, Yamuna Expressway, and the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) areas are at the heart of their grievances.
The SKM, an umbrella organisation representing 12 farmer groups, has accused the state government of neglecting the “genuine demands” of affected farmers. In its statement, the SKM declared that the sit-in at Dalit Prerna Sthal would continue until Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath provides a concrete resolution.
The SKM warned that if their demands are not met within a week, they will intensify their protest and unite project-affected farmers across Uttar Pradesh. “If the Uttar Pradesh government does not protect the land rights of farmers, the struggle will escalate to a state-wide movement,” the statement read.
Temporary respite for commuters
Traffic on the busy Noida-Delhi route resumed around 6 pm, providing some relief to commuters. However, the protesters’ said that they resolve to stay until their demands are addressed highlights the enduring challenge of balancing development projects with fair treatment of landowners.