Why Did the Farmers' Protest in MP's Dhar Escalate?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A massive farmers' protest took place in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar.
- The district administration issued prohibitory orders to maintain law and order.
- Farmers are demanding dialogue with senior government officials.
- The protest has caused major disruptions on NH-52.
- Video surveillance is being used to monitor the protest site.
Indore, Dec 1 (NationPress) A massive demonstration by farmers in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar on Monday led to the district administration issuing a prohibitory order aimed at maintaining law and order.
Under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Majdoor Sangh (BKMS) along with other groups, farmers from various districts including Dhar, Barwani, Khandwa, and Khargone blocked traffic at a toll plaza in Manawar town.
After unsuccessful attempts to persuade the farmers to end their protest, the district administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to manage the situation.
Security measures at the protest site were escalated.
The protest commenced early Monday morning, and as the day progressed, more farmers arrived on tractor-trolleys, prompting the administration to deploy additional security personnel.
Manawar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pramod Gurjar used a loudspeaker to communicate that Section 163 of the BNS had been activated at the protest site.
He urged the protesting farmers to avoid violence during the demonstration.
"Video surveillance is being conducted through multiple drone cameras to monitor the activities on site. Anyone found to be causing disruptions will face strict legal actions," the Manawar SDM announced.
The farmers demanded that the state's Agricultural Minister Aidal Singh Kansana or another senior minister engage in discussion with them.
The aggrieved farmers expressed their frustrations, stating that the state government had ignored their concerns.
"Over the past six months, we have sent numerous letters to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav requesting a meeting to discuss farmers' issues, but we received no response. We are now left with no choice but to take to the streets to be heard," a protesting farmer remarked.
Sources indicated that a contingent of farmers had previously met with senior BJP leader and State Agriculture Minister Kansana, presenting a memorandum outlining their demands.
However, discussions did not advance, leading the farmers to resort to street protests.
The demonstration caused significant disruptions on NH-52, stranding hundreds of vehicles for hours.
During the protest, farmers recited the Hanuman Chalisa and chanted religious slogans while displaying posters and banners.
Officials who arrived at the protest site requested the farmers to end their demonstration, assuring them that their message would be relayed to senior government officials.
"Some government representatives visited and asked us to call off the protest, but we seek a written assurance. Similar promises have been made in the past, yet nothing has materialized. We demand that a senior minister meet with us here," stated Ramswaroop Patidar, a BKMS member.