Protesting Farmers Break Police Barricades, Enter Bhopal To Gherao CM Residence; What Are Their Key Demands

Naidunia Correspondent, Bhopal | The demand for 100 per cent government procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is gaining momentum in Madhya Pradesh after a large number of farmers, under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, reached Bhopal. They planned to march towards Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence in ni the capital city on Tuesday, prompting authorities to hold talks with farmer leaders.

Hundreds Of Protesting Farmers Enter Bhopal Despite Police Barricades

The protesting farmers also demand improvement in the fertiliser distribution system. On Tuesday, the farmers' "Kisan Kranti Padyatra" reached Bhopal. Despite numerous police blockades and warnings, approximately 2,000 farmers broke through the barricades and entered the city. At noon, farmers broke through heavy police barricades near the Kaliyasot River bridge on the Bhopal border at Mandideep. Holding the national flag and chanting "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan," the farmers proceeded on foot towards the city.

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Following them, a large convoy of tractors, trolleys, and other vehicles also entered the capital. The farmers' sole goal was to gherao the Chief Minister's residence.

Negotiation Talks Are Underway

However, after much effort, the police stopped them near the RRL intersection in Baghsewania. Negotiations are currently underway between the administration and farmer leaders, and they have been stopped there until the discussions are complete.

Farmers Prepared For Long Battle

This time, farmers are in the mood for a long fight. They have arrived in Bhopal with full preparation. Tractor-trolleys carried rations and drinking water for days. Many farmers have even brought pre-cooked dal-bati with them. They have clearly stated that they will not return under any circumstances until all their demands are met.

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19 Farmer Organisations Come Together

The massive movement involves 19 different farmer organisations from across the state. The protesters, primarily from Narmadapuram, Harda, Seoni, and Raisen districts, have arrived in large numbers.

Earlier in the morning, the police briefly stopped farmers near the Aubedullaganj toll plaza. The administration tried to persuade them to halt, but the farmers refused and continued their march.

Veheculiar Traffic Disrupted

The march of farmers completely disrupted Bhopal's traffic system on Tuesday. A massive traffic jam occurred on Narmadapuram Road. In response to the situation, the police initially closed one side of the road, but later had to temporarily close both sides. The jam caused significant inconvenience to thousands of people living in approximately 150 nearby colonies. Residents in MP Nagar, Bawadia Kalan, Kolar, Number 10, and other markets faced difficulty in travelling.

Employees who went to the Secretariat and other government offices in the morning were also severely stranded in the massive traffic jam.