03 Dec 2024 | 07:53 AM UTC
India: Further farmer protests likely in several northern states through mid-December /update 2
Further farmers' protests likely in northern India through mid-December. Increased security, transport disruptions likely.
Unionized farmers will likely continue to protest in northern India through mid-December to demand better government aid for land acquisitions and market compensation, among other issues. On Dec. 2, around 20,000 farmers affiliated with Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) attempted to march from Noida, Uttar Pradesh State, to the Parliament Complex in New Delhi, causing significant traffic congestion along Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Authorities responded by deploying around 5,000 security personnel and setting up barricades to prevent protesters from entering New Delhi. Despite these measures, thousands of farmers breached security barriers and are currently holding a sit-in protest at Dalit Prerana Sthal in Noida as of Dec. 3. Meanwhile, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) have announced daily marches from the Shambhu border in Patiala District, Punjab, to Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Ground in New Delhi between 09:00 and 17:00 from Dec. 6.
Additional demonstrations of varying types, including marches, and road and rail blockades, are likely to occur 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 will likely attract thousands of participants.
Officials will almost certainly monitor related gatherings and may move to disperse crowds if they are unruly or attempt to breach security cordons. Increased security checks are likely along interstate borders, such as the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Mass arrests of activists, as well as temporary curbs on public movement and/or mobile internet services, are possible in the event of significant violence.
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.
