India: Farmers launch indefinite strike in Maharashtra June 1

Event

On Thursday, June 1, farmers across Maharashtra state started an indefinite strike. According to media reporters, the protesters are preventing produce trucks from transporting fruits, vegetables, and milk to major cities in the country. Some of the demonstrators also threw vegetables and poured out milk onto the roads as part of the protest. Food suppliers warned on Friday, June 2, that the ongoing strike may cause shortages in major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Thane in the coming days. Food prices have also reportedly increased due to the lack of supply.

Context

The strike is organized by Kisan Kranti, a farmers’ organization. Farmers decided to protest after talks with the government over loan waivers failed. Kisan Kranti is demanding that the government waive loans provide to farmers in the region in the past year. They are also calling for a fixed minimum price for their produce.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to monitor the situation and to stay away from all demonstrations.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the west of Jammu and Kashmir state and against all travel to the border region with Pakistan (direct vicinity of the Line of Control) due to the high threat of terrorism.