06 Dec 2024 | 09:52 AM UTC
India: Further farmers' protests likely in several northern states through mid-December /update 4
Additional farmers' protests expected 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. The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) groups have announced daily marches from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab State to Jantar Mantar or Ramlila Ground in New Delhi between 09:00 and 17:00 from Dec. 6. Officials in Ambala District have imposed Section 163, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people, while also restricting mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 11 villages until 23:59 Dec. 9. Authorities have deployed security personnel and barricades at key entry points around Delhi to prevent farmers from entering the capital.
Additional demonstrations of varying 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 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. 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 Yamuna Expressway. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Mass arrests of activists and further temporary curbs on public movement and/or mobile internet services may occur 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.
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana have camped at 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 thousand farmers 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 set up barricades to prevent access to the capital; however, many farmers breached these barriers and held a sit-in protest at Dalit Prerana 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 towards Dalit Prerana Sthal without prior permission.
