Summary:
Thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra reached Mumbai on Sunday evening to participate in a rally on Monday against the Centre’s three new farm laws.
They came in an endless stream, down the hills and flooding the streets of India’s business capital, challenging the government’s theory that the farmers’ protest is limited to Punjab and Haryana.
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Thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra reached Mumbai on Sunday evening to participate in a rally on Monday against the Centre’s three new farm laws.
They came in an endless stream, down the hills and flooding the streets of India’s business capital, challenging the government’s theory that the farmers’ protest is limited to Punjab and Haryana.
Police have stepped up security at Azad Maidan, the rally’s venue in south Mumbai, and personnel of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have also been deployed.
Drones will be used to keep an eye on the event, a police officer said.
The All India Kisan Sabha’s (AIKS) Maharashtra unit said in a statement that around 15,000 farmers had set out for the state capital from Nashik on Saturday on foot and in tempos and other vehicles.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar and some other prominent leaders of the ruling coalition in Mahatrashtra will address the rally, the release said.
The state Congress, which is an ally in the government, has extended its support to the protest.
Farmers from various places gathered in Nashik and started their journey towards Mumbai on Saturday.
Many peasants also joined on the way, the AIKS said.
Videos on social media showed a surge of people marching through hilly terrain, shouting slogans.
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Many women farmers took part in the 7km march at Kasara Ghat, which started at 9am and ended around 11.30am
They halted overnight at Ghatandevi near the hill town of Igatpuri.