Massive traffic jams were witnessed at the Delhi-Noida borders as farmers began their 'Delhi Chalo' march towards the Parliament complex today. The farmers, who are from Uttar Pradesh, are pressing their five demands for compensation and benefits under the new agricultural laws. The protest coincides with the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament and prompted the police to scale up security measures, including installing barricades, checking vehicles and diverting routes in Delhi-NCR.
Farmers are demanding an allocation of 10 per cent plots and 64.7 per cent increased compensation under the old acquisition law, which is four times the market rate compensation, and 20 per cent plots on the land acquired after January 1, 2014. They also want children of landless farmers to be given the benefit of employment and rehabilitation, government orders on the issues passed by the High Power Committee and proper settlement of the populated areas.
The protest began near the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida and farmers will march towards Delhi on foot and tractors. The protesting farmers belong to the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other allied groups, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
Farmers were seen breaking barricades and sitting on them despite heavy security. They are now sitting on the road as traffic movement on one side of the highways connecting Noida and Delhi were blocked. Police also closed the road from Greater Noida to Delhi via Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida.
Farmers from 20 districts, including Gautam Buddh Nagar, Agra, Aligarh and Bulandshahr will take part in the march.
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