The long foot march undertaken by tribal farmers from Nashik to Mumbai has now entered its third consecutive day, marking a significant escalation in their peaceful protest for land rights and agricultural justice. On Tuesday, thousands of determined marchers successfully crossed the challenging terrain of Kasara Ghat, making their way into Thane district as they continue their arduous journey towards the state capital.
Delegation Meets Chief Minister, Receives Assurances
In a crucial development later in the evening, a high-level delegation representing the protesting farmers met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence. The delegation included prominent figures such as senior CPM politician Ashok Dhawale and former MLA Jeeva Gavit, along with other key functionaries from the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha.
Ajit Nawale, a functionary of the Kisan Sabha, provided details about the meeting, stating that the Chief Minister offered firm assurances regarding their demands. "He promised that at the ministerial level, continuous follow-ups will be done to ensure there are no gaps or lapses in implementation," Nawale reported. This commitment suggests a structured governmental approach to addressing the farmers' concerns.
Forest Rights Claims to Be Re-verified
One of the most significant outcomes from the meeting concerns the Forest Rights Act. Nawale revealed that the delegation was informed that all forest rights claims filed under this legislation will undergo a comprehensive re-verification process. This decision comes in response to what farmers describe as systemic issues within the forest department's reporting mechanisms.
"Due to the forest department's incorrect reports, discrepancies had increased between land declared eligible for title and land under actual possession," Nawale explained, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles that have complicated land ownership for tribal communities. The re-verification initiative aims to rectify these discrepancies and ensure fair implementation of forest rights.
March Progress and Preliminary Discussions
Over the first two days of this remarkable protest, the farmers have covered an impressive distance of nearly 60 kilometers, demonstrating both physical endurance and unwavering commitment to their cause. While the main body of marchers continues its journey, a separate delegation traveled ahead to Mumbai to initiate discussions with state ministers.
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan held the first round of these discussions on Tuesday. However, delegation members later characterized this initial meeting as futile, indicating that substantial progress remains elusive at the ministerial level despite the Chief Minister's assurances.
Decision on Protest Continuation Pending
The crucial decision regarding whether to call off the ongoing stir will only be made after further consultations. Nawale indicated that talks with other agitators are scheduled for Wednesday, after which a collective decision will be reached about the future course of the protest movement.
This development suggests that while the Chief Minister's assurances represent a positive step, the farming community remains cautious and intends to maintain pressure until they see concrete action on the ground. The march continues to symbolize the persistent struggle of tribal farmers for recognition of their rights and equitable treatment under agricultural and forest policies.
