New Delhi: Tens of thousands of farmers, some carrying skulls of those who committed suicide, had marched towards parliament demanding loan waivers and better prices for their produce.The protest is one of the biggest displays of frustration with BJP government, which faces a tough general election due by May next year. Many of the farmers came in trains and other packed into buses and other modes of transport, it said.
Over 3,500 police personnel have deployed to ensure security at the event. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They will be augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, comprising 75-80 personnel each, a police official said. The protesters are backed by opposition politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Sharad Pawar, HD Deve Gowda and others. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal also addressed the masses, among others.
The last time when the farmers protested in Delhi on October 2, they were met with barricades, water cannons and even tear gas shells. This time, the leaders of the movement are hoping for cooperation from authorities.
Here are the LIVE updates on the farmers' protest in Delhi:
Nov 30, 2018 13:31 (IST)
The national secretary of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), Asish Mittal, said farmers from 24 states have also joined the protest to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.
Nov 30, 2018 13:27 (IST)
The protesters, backed by the Left and a number of farmer groups, marched for more than 25 km from five different locations towards Ramlila Maidan yesterday.
Nov 30, 2018 13:05 (IST)
Social activist Medha Patkar said many political leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, are expected to participate in the rally. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Trinamool Congress' Dinesh Trivedi, Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav were among the others who were expected to address the farmers.
Nov 30, 2018 13:03 (IST)
The farmers have now reached Jantar Mantar.
Nov 30, 2018 12:42 (IST)
The farmers were allowed to go to Parliament street following due permission from the Delhi Police.
Nov 30, 2018 11:40 (IST)
Delhi Traffic Police is tweeting live updates on the route taken by the farmers and asked commuters to stay updated. "Around 1,000 traffic personnel have been deployed in all these routes to plan diversions and to keep the traffic smooth," Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Alok Kumar said.