13 Dec 2024 | 06:51 PM UTC
India: Farmers' protests likely nationwide through at least late December /update 6
Farmers' protests likely across India through at least late December. Increased security, disruptions likely.
Unionized farmers will likely stage protests across India through at least late December. The purpose of these actions is to address several grievances, including demands for greater public aid for land acquisitions. In recent weeks, activists affiliated with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other similar groups have staged daily marches near the Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab, held gatherings near popular rally sites such as the Jantar Mantar observatory and Ramlila Ground in New Delhi, and organized protests in other areas. Occasional clashes between activists and law enforcement officials have occurred, with police using tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
As of Dec. 13, protest organizers have announced the following planned actions:
Dec. 14: Activists will hold a march with 101 farmers from the Shambhu border area to New Delhi.
Dec. 16: Activists will stage nationwide marches using tractors. In Tamil Nadu, protesters will reportedly stage a rail blockade protest campaign.
Dec. 18: Demonstrators will conduct a rail blockade campaign across India.
Additional demonstrations of various types, including marches and road blockades, are likely over the coming weeks. Potential gathering sites include lawmakers' offices and residences, government buildings, public squares, transportation hubs, and thoroughfares, including interstate highways. Well-attended gatherings could attract thousands of participants. Officials will almost certainly monitor these gatherings and may move to disperse crowds if they become unruly or attempt to breach security cordons.
Heightened security measures are likely along the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Traffic congestion is probable along rally routes or if protesters establish roadblocks, particularly on National Highway 44 (NH 44), National Highway 52 (NH 52), Mahamaya Flyover, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, and the Yamuna Expressway. Depending on operational needs, officials may implement enhanced restrictions, including internet and telecommunications curbs. Previously, authorities imposed restrictions on public gatherings of five or more people and mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Ambala District, Haryana State, until Dec. 9. Further clashes between police and activists remain possible. Associated localized business and transport disruptions are likely.
Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Plan for potential localized transport and business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories. Do not pass through protest roadblocks. Wait for police to clear them.
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have camped at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February, demanding legal guarantees for minimum support prices. In Uttar Pradesh, protests have resumed to demand fair compensation for land acquired by the government. On Dec. 2, around 20,000 farmers attempted to march from Noida, Uttar Pradesh State, to the Parliament Complex in New Delhi, causing significant traffic congestion along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Authorities set up barricades to prevent access to the capital; however, many farmers breached these barriers and held a sit-in protest at Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida on Dec. 3. On Dec. 5, police arrested 77 farmers at Zero Point in Greater Noida while they were attempting to march toward Dalit Prerna Sthal without prior permission.
