Massive protest were staged by farmers of Rajasthan on Jaipur-Sikar highway on Thursday in a quest to fulfill their demands, which includes complete loan waiver and implementation of Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
First the farmers tried to gherao the state assembly, but when they were not allowed to enter Jaipur, they began demonstrating on the road, leading to serpentine tailbacks.
The demonstration caused jam for several hours, causing immense inconvenience to the people from adjoining districts like Jaipur, Sikar, Churu, Bikaner and Jhunjhunu.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje announced in her budget speech that debts up to Rs. 50,000 would be waived off, but the farmers are demanding full waiver.
Meanwhile, despite massive police deployment at the city’s borders, some farmers managed to sneak into the city, in response to the call given by Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha.
Later, they held a meeting at the Majdoor Kisan Bhawan in the city, which was addressed by Kisan Sabha president Ashok Dhaval and vice president Dulichand Meena, among others. Thereafter, the protesting farmers, which also included women, proceeded towards the state Secretariat. But they were detained by police.
Sources said the state government had arrested Kisan Mahasabha president Amara Ram, Pemaram and over 80 farmer leaders two days back to avert the protest. Independent MLA Kirodilal Meena and Hanuman Beliwal, who announced forming a third front a few months back, were also part of this protest.
Speaking to the media, Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria said the farmers were stopped on the outskirts in line with the orders issued by the high court, and that no serious cases had been registered against any of them.
