The farmers’ protest near the Mahamaya flyover in Noida created significant disruption on Monday. Supporters of the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other farmer organizations gathered in large numbers, breaking barricades and attempting to continue their “Delhi Chalo” march.
Protest Causes Traffic Chaos on Noida Expressway
Massive Traffic Jams
- The farmers’ protest caused severe traffic snarls at the Delhi-Noida border.
- Police had set up barricades to prevent farmers from reaching the Parliament complex in Delhi.
- Commuters faced long delays, with vehicles moving at a snail’s pace or coming to a complete standstill.
Commuters’ Struggle
- Aprajita Singh, a resident of Greater Noida, reported it took her over an hour to cross a stretch that usually takes minutes.
- Videos from the Chilla border and the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway showed vehicles stuck in long queues.
Reasons for Traffic Disruption
- Farmers broke some barricades near the Mahamaya flyover as their gathering grew larger by noon.
- The police’s preventive measures created bottlenecks, worsening the traffic situation.
Farmers’ Demands and Temporary Truce
Key Demands
- Farmers, led by Bhartiya Kisan Parishad leader Sukhbir Khalifa, presented several demands to the government.
- Their main demand was for legislation ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for crops.
- Compensation and benefits under new agricultural laws were also highlighted.
Temporary Resolution
- After a meeting with Noida authorities, farmers agreed to vacate the protest site temporarily.
- Protesters moved to Ambedkar Park but issued a warning: if demands aren’t met within a week, they will resume their march towards Delhi.
Farmers’ Unity
- The protest was supported by other groups, including the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
- Leaders emphasized that farmers across the country are united in their fight for fair policies.
Police and Protesters’ Interaction
Barricades and Resistance
- Police erected multiple barricades along the Noida-Greater Noida expressway to block the march.
- Protesters’ determination led to some barricades being broken near the Mahamaya flyover.
- Despite resistance, the situation did not escalate into violence.
Authorities’ Response
- Authorities met with farmer leaders to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
- The agreement to vacate the site came after assurances that demands would be addressed within a week.
Impact of the Protest on Public Life
Commuters’ Frustration
- The blockade caused significant delays for thousands of daily commuters.
- Residents traveling between Noida and Delhi faced hours-long traffic jams.
Businesses Affected
- Delivery services and businesses reliant on smooth traffic flow were disrupted.
- Some workers reported difficulty reaching their offices due to the roadblocks.
Public Support
- While the traffic jams caused frustration, many people expressed support for the farmers’ cause on social media.
- Calls for a balanced resolution gained traction, with demands for both efficient traffic management and justice for farmers.
What’s Next for the Farmers’ Movement?
Future Plans
- Sukhbir Khalifa announced that if demands are unmet, the march will resume from the Mahamaya flyover.
- Farmers plan to regroup and intensify their movement if progress isn’t seen within the given timeframe.
Government’s Role
- The government has a week to address farmers’ demands.
- Ensuring effective communication with protest leaders is crucial to prevent further disruptions.
Unity Among Farmer Groups
- The protest’s success lies in the solidarity among various farmer organizations.
- Their combined efforts continue to highlight the challenges faced by the agricultural community.
