Farmers Protest in Mumbai: CM says implementation of Forest Act to begin soon; agitators withdraw stir

Over 50,000 farmers demanding complete loan waiver, implementation of the Swaminathan Committee Report and transfer of Adivasi land to farmers who have been ploughing it for years, reached Mumbai after waling 180 kilometers.

The farmers marched overnight in wake of board examinations on Monday monring and to avoid traffic situation in the city. They reached Mumbai’s Azad Maidan at around 5 AM.

The protesters started the march called by Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha (ABKS) affiliated with the CPI(M) from Maharashtra’s Nashik on March 6.

The farmers are planning to lay siege to the Maharashtra legislative assembly building in Mumbai to press their various demands.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis finally waking up after 5 days on Sunday night said his government is ready to talk to the farmers.

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"We will talk to them and sort out their issues. The Government is positive on their demands. Most of the agitators are tribals, and their main demand is forest land rights.”

Here are the highlights on Maharashtra farmers’ march:

# 4.08 PM : Maharashtra chief minister assures farmers Implementation of Forest Act to begin in two months.

# 4: 07 PM : Chief Minister promises issue of ration cards to farmers in urgent basis.

# 4: 04 PM : Maharashtra government claim to fulfil all demands of farmers.

# 4: 03 PM : Maharashtra government forms a committee of ministers which will coordinate with farmer.

# 4:02 PM : Farmers withdraw stir.

# 4:00 PM: Meeting ends between farmers’ representatives and CM-led ministerial committee.

# 2: 45 PM : Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan : This has never happened in Maharashtra.

# 2: 01PM : Three to four farmers collapse due to fatigue and heat, taken to JJ hospital.

# 1 PM : Farmers’ delegation including Including Ajit Nawale, Jiva Pandu Gavit, Narsayya Adam and Ashok Dhawale.reaches Vidhan Bhavan.

 

# The mammoth Farmers March To Mumbai is a stunning example of people’s power. The Congress party stands with the Farmers & Tribals marching to protest against the Central & State Govts. apathy. I appeal to PM Modi and the CM to not stand on ego and to accept their just demands: Rahul Gandhi

# We're positive in fulfilling demands. Since the 1st day of the Morcha we tried to discuss various issues with them. Girish Mahajan was in touch with them from day one. But they were firm on taking out the March: CM Devendra Fadnavis

# There'll be a meeting with farmers at 1pm. I think we'll give solutions for 80-90% of their issues. We're serious about the demands including loan waiver & will come up with best decisions. Written assurance will be given for accepted demands: Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra Minister

# This is not an issue of Maharashtra farmers alone but of farmers all over India: Congress President Rahul Gandhi

# Maharashtra CM Devendra fadnavis to meet representatives of farmers at noon, say sources.

# Watch what the protesters are doing to keep up the energy despite tiring 6-day long march.

#WATCH: Visuals from Mumbai's Azad Maidan where members of All India Kisan Sabha have gathered to protest. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/3GgN6UMVPB

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018

# No road closure or diversions due to Farmers' Morcha now: Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic)

# Maharashtra: Latest visuals of All India Kisan Sabha protest which has reached Mumbai's Azad Maidan. The protest will proceed to state assembly later in the day.

#Maharashtra: Latest visuals of All India Kisan Sabha protest which has reached Mumbai's Azad Maidan. The protest will proceed to state assembly later in the day. pic.twitter.com/Dp5hsKU1Rc

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018

# Sighting difficulties to the students who are appearing for board examinations today morning, the farmers will gherao the Vidhan Sabha after 11 AM.

# Maharashtra: All India Kisan Sabha's protest march, demanding a complete loan waiver among other demands, arrives at Azad Maidan in Mumbai

#Maharashtra: All India Kisan Sabha's protest march, demanding a complete loan waiver among other demands, arrives at Azad Maidan in #Mumbai, will proceed to state assembly later in the day pic.twitter.com/3BP50RlvJN

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018

# Maharashtra farmers’ protest march arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station in Mumbai, will proceed to state assembly later in the day.