03 Oct 2018 | 02:00 AM UTC
India: Protesting farmers complete march to Delhi October 3 /update 1
Thousands of protesting farmers complete their march at the Kisan Ghat in New Delhi on October 3; the organizing Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) warns of future protests
Event
Thousands of protesting farmers arrived in New Delhi in the early morning hours (local time) of Wednesday, October 3, following violent clashes with police earlier on Tuesday, October 2. The farmers arrived around 02:00 at Kisan Ghat, completing their 11-day march after official permits were issued and the police removed barricades at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. Though the confrontation with police ended and the minister of agriculture has promised to look into their concerns, the organizing Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) warned of future action until their demands are met. Residual disruptions are expected in New Delhi and neighboring cities, particularly Ghaziabad, on Wednesday. Schools and colleges will remain closed until Thursday, October 4, and roads and increased traffic is likely in eastern Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
Context
The BKU organized a "Kisan Kranti Padyatra" beginning on September 23 to demand government support for farmers. The march began in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) to Kisan Ghat (New Delhi). Protesters were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border near Ghaziabad by security forces and barricades, resulting in violent clashes and the use of tear gas, batons, and water cannons to prevent the farmers from continuing their march.
Advice
Individuals in and around Delhi are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate significant transportation disruptions, avoid public gatherings, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
