Red wave sweeps through Maharashtra; Farmers' agitation has crossed Thane
A wave of red has been sweeping through Maharashtra since Tuesday as 25,000 farmers wearing red caps and holding red flags started their march from Nashik. They are demanding loan waiver and implementation of Swaminathan Commission. They reached Thane on March 9 and might reach the state legislative assembly or Vidhan Bhavan on Monday, protesting the government's anti-farmer policies. Here are the details.
'Protesting farmers might not be able to encircle Vidhan Bhavan'
The agitation would reach Mumbai on a busy day like Monday and so elaborate traffic arrangements have been done by the traffic police. They intend to encircle the Vidhan Bhavan, however, they might not be allowed to do so and will be stopped at Azad Maidan, police sources said. The 180 kilometre-long march has been organized by All India Kisan Sabha.
What are the farmers demanding?
Some of their demands are as under: Full waiver of loans and electricity bills Implementation of Swaminathan Commission that talks of land reforms, land ownership and also addressing the issues of cattle stock, etc Forest land be transferred to those who are preparing it for cultivation for years Proper compensation for farmers who have lost their crops to natural calamity or diseases
