Amidst the bustling urban panorama of New Delhi, agrarians advocating for allocated plots from governmental authorities both within the city and in Greater Noida escalated their demonstration, embarking on a march toward the hallowed precincts of Parliament on Thursday. This contingent of farmers traversed the trajectory from the Delhi-Noida Chilla border, vocalizing their myriad requisitions, prominently featuring an augmentation in remuneration.
Convened under the banners of Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha, the agrarian assembly congregated outside the NTCP office in Noida Sector 24 and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority’s office. Their articulated plea encompassed a fervent appeal for a 10 percent allotment of abadi land.
The crux of the farmers’ plea revolves around their demand for a parcel equivalent to 10 percent of abadi plots or commensurate compensation, compensating for the land appropriated from them for infrastructural development endeavors. One vocal farmer, expressing the sentiment of the collective, lamented, “Our voices fall on deaf ears; what recourse do we have? It appears we have been engaged in protest for a span exceeding five years. We are determined to claim our rightful entitlements. We aren’t clamoring for superfluous favors; we are asserting our legitimate claim to the 10 percent share of abadi land.”
In anticipation of the farmers’ protest procession, the security apparatus was intensified at the Delhi-Noida and Chilla borders earlier in the day. A police official underscored the imposition of Section 144, sealing off all borders for a duration of 24 hours. Stringent security measures were implemented across all border points. Noida DIG, Additional CP (L&O), Shivhari Meena addressed the situation, stating, “Section 144 has been enforced, and all borders are sealed for the next 24 hours. There is a substantial deployment of security personnel at all entry points. Adequate provisions have been instituted to mitigate inconvenience for the populace. We are engaged in dialogues with the agrarians, and thorough vehicular inspections are being conducted.”
In December 2023, farmers convened a mahapanchayat at the Noida Authority office, highlighting their protracted pursuit for 10 percent abadi plots or equivalent reparation since 1997. The continuum of their protests traces back to 2019, and in the fiscal years 2020-21, they staged an enduring sit-in at the Authority office. Consequently, in January 2021, the Authority corresponded with the government, aligning with the agrarians’ stipulations. Subsequent reminders were dispatched in March and October of 2022 and March 2023.
In a significant development in December 2023, the Greater Noida Authority accorded approval for the allotment of 10 percent residential plots to farmers on developed land. Officials at that juncture indicated their intention to subsequently seek the imprimatur of the state government.