Noida, Nov 3 (NationPress) Farmers from 81 villages organized a Mahapanchayat and launched a significant protest outside the Noida Authority office on Monday, pushing for urgent measures regarding land acquisition and rehabilitation matters. Tensions escalated when a faction attempted to breach the premises, resulting in confrontations with security personnel.

As early as dawn, hundreds of farmers gathered outside the Noida office, many adorned in green turbans and carrying union flags.

Chanting slogans, they accused the authority of intentionally stalling decisions on compensation, rehabilitation, and plot allocation for land that has been appropriated over the years for various development initiatives.

Farmers expressed frustration, claiming that while the authority has frequently summoned them for discussions, no tangible relief measures have been executed.

“We have received promises for years, but progress halts at meetings. This time, we will not leave with empty assurances,” a farmer declared.

The situation intensified during the Mahapanchayat when farmers attempted to breach the main gate of the authority office. Security personnel erected barricades to block their entry, leading to a clash. Farmers pushed against the barricades, while police and security forces endeavored to maintain their position.

For a short duration, tensions peaked, necessitating the deployment of additional police units around the protest site. Authorities surrounded the area on both sides of the barricades to avert further escalation.

Farmers' representatives noted that the protest is primarily driven by long-standing grievances regarding delayed compensation for acquired land, unfulfilled promises of residential and commercial plots, and the incomplete execution of the rehabilitation and resettlement policy.

They cautioned that should the government and Noida Authority fail to announce substantial measures, the protest will evolve into a more extensive movement throughout Gautam Buddh Nagar.

During the Mahapanchayat, a decision was made to convene a 'strategic meeting' of village representatives soon to outline the next stage of the movement, including potential statewide mobilization.

In the meantime, a heavy police presence was maintained throughout the day to uphold law and order. Barricades were established on several access roads leading to the Authority office, and security was intensified in surrounding sectors to prevent any incidents.