Why Are Farmers Protesting in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Farmers' Protest: Significant unrest in Dhar demands government attention.
- Prohibitory Orders: Enforced to maintain public order amidst escalating tensions.
- Traffic Disruptions: NH-52 blocked, affecting local commuters.
- Government Engagement: Farmers insist on direct communication with officials.
- Monitoring: Drone surveillance implemented to oversee protest activities.
Indore, Dec 1 (NationPress) A significant protest by farmers in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar on Monday led the district administration to enforce a prohibitory order to maintain law and order.
Farmers, gathered under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Majdoor Sangh (BKMS) along with other groups, blocked a highway at a toll plaza in Manawar town, representing multiple districts including Dhar, Barwani, Khandwa, and Khargone.
Following unsuccessful attempts to persuade the farmers to end their demonstration, the district administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to control the unrest.
Security measures at the protest location have been significantly heightened.
The protest commenced early Monday morning, with more farmers arriving on tractor-trollies throughout the day, prompting the administration to increase security personnel in the area.
Manawar Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pramod Gurjar announced via loudspeaker the imposition of Section 163 at the protest site, urging demonstrators to refrain from violence.
“Video recording is being conducted through multiple drone cameras to monitor activities at the site. Those found disrupting law and order will face strict legal actions,” the Manawar SDM declared.
The protesting farmers are demanding that the state's Agricultural Minister Aidal Singh Kansana or another senior minister engage with them.
Aggrieved farmers expressed that their grievances have gone unheard by the state government.
“Over the past six months, we have sent numerous letters to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav requesting a meeting to discuss farmers' issues. We have yet to receive a response, leaving us with no choice but to protest,” stated one of the farmers.
Sources revealed that a group of farmers had previously met with senior BJP leader and State Agricultural Minister Kansana, submitting a memorandum of their demands, but discussions had not advanced further, prompting the farmers to take to the streets.
The demonstration has caused significant traffic disruptions on NH-52, stranding hundreds of vehicles for hours.
During the protest, farmers recited the Hanuman Chalisa and chanted religious slogans while holding posters and banners.
Officials who arrived at the site urged the farmers to end their protest, promising to relay their concerns to senior government officials.
“Some government representatives requested we halt the protest, but we demand written assurances. Similar promises have been made before without follow-up. We insist on meeting with a senior minister here,” asserted Ramswaroop Patidar, a BKMS member.