NEW DELHI: At least 50
farmers
were
detained
by the Gurugram Police in Manesar as they attempted to
march
to Delhi, protesting what they claim is "unfair" compensation for the sale of over 1,800 acres of farmland to the state government.
The protesters, representing the Dakshin Haryana Kisan Khap Samiti, were rounded up and transported to the Manesar Police Lines in two buses, according to police sources.
The farmers alleged that they were not offered the rightful compensation for 1,810 acres of land across five villages in Manesar and decided to voice their grievances at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Tuesday.
Despite receiving notices from the police late Monday evening, the farmers, more than 500 strong, assembled in Manesar on Tuesday morning, prepared to march towards the national capital. In response, authorities deployed over 500 policemen to prevent the farmers from advancing towards Delhi.
To enforce order, the entire Manesar area was transformed into a cantonment, and around noon, when the farmers began their procession, the police intervened and took them into custody. Farmer leaders condemned the police action, labeling it as a dictatorial move by the Haryana government.
Mahendra Singh, a farmer leader, accused the government of attempting to acquire farmers' land at meager prices. "Today, the farmers wanted to march peacefully to Delhi, but the government adopted a dictatorial attitude and did not allow the farmers to go beyond Manesar. The government is afraid of the farmers' movement, but until the demand for MSP guarantee is not met, the farmers' movement will continue," said Santokh Singh, one of the protesters.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Surender Singh clarified that Section 144 had been imposed in the area, and anyone attempting to breach the order would face police intervention. "Vehicular movement is normal between Delhi-Gurugram, and the situation is under control," assured the officer.
The detained farmers' protest adds to the growing tension surrounding issues of
land compensation
and farmers' rights, reflecting the ongoing struggles between agricultural communities and government policies.
English (US) ·