30,000 farmers set out on a mission on 6th March. Farmers took to the streets of Maharashtra and marched all the way to Mumbai to ask for the complete waiver of their loans. This march came about after the government’s response to the farmers’ situation or the lack of response.
The march was organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha. The ABKS is associated with the CPI(M). The farmers are expected to reach Mumbai on March 11th. On 9th the farmers had reached the Bhatsa river in the Thane district. They’re picking up more support as they march on. The farmers are covering up to 35 kilometers per day.
The demands of the farmers cover a spectrum of issues, the loan waiver is just one component. They want the transfer of forest land to tillers, compensation of rupees 40,000 per acre to farmers that suffered during the hailstorm and the pink bollworm. Among other things they want the sharing of water with Gujarat to come to an end. The farmers consist of groups of all ages and genders. The number of people involved in the march by the time they reach Mumbai is expected to surpass one lakh.
Different parties like the Peasants and Workers Party and CPI too. The law enforcers though are underestimating numbers to keep their own minds at peace. The police though acknowledged that a peaceful demonstration is the right of every citizen. The agitation seems to have been brought about by the rising distress amongst the farmers of the state. It might even have been a long time coming. It is still dicey to assume that all the demands are met, that would be too optimistic but a negotiation certainly looks like it can be reached, especially with the strength in numbers being on the side of the farmers clearly.