Nashik Tribal Farmers Launch Indefinite Strike, Block Roads to Gujarat
Farmers from the tribal belt of Nashik district have started an indefinite strike. They are protesting under the banner of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS). Their demands focus on land rights and government benefits.
Core Demands of the Protesting Farmers
The farmers have several key demands. They want proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This includes securing allotted land parcels under the act. Farmers who already received land demand inclusion in various government schemes. They specifically mention the Shetkari Sanmaan Yojana. Another critical demand involves updating land records with the names of rightful holders.
Irfan Shaikh, an AIKS office bearer, explained the situation. He stated that farmers must get the land parcels allocated to them under FRA. Shaikh emphasized that beneficiaries should receive benefits from government schemes. He also stressed the importance of including landholder names in official records.
Road Blockades and Traffic Diversions
The protesting farmers have blocked roads leading to Gujarat from Nashik district. This action aims to draw attention to their grievances. The district administration responded quickly. Officials diverted traffic through alternate routes. This measure ensures vehicles can move in both directions without major interruptions.
Farmers are staging sit-ins at multiple locations. These include taluka headquarters and important market places. Key protest sites are Borgad on the Vani–Saputara Road and Barhe on the Nashik–Dharampur Road. Other locations include Peth, Harsul, Trimbakeshwar, Dindori, and Surgana.
Political Support and Previous Promises
Indrajeet Gavit, the district secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), joined the agitation. He highlighted that various river-linking and water-diversion schemes operate from Nashik. However, local farmers do not benefit from these projects. Gavit expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises.
A meeting occurred on Monday at the collectorate. Additional collectors Hemangi Patil and Devdatta Kekan listened to farmer demands. The delegation included former MLA JP Gavit, Irfan Shaikh, and other politicians. They reminded officials about previous assurances made during two long marches from Nashik to Mumbai. Gavit warned that farmers might undertake another long march to Mumbai if needed.
Administration's Response and Policy Matters
District collector Ayush Prasad addressed the situation. He confirmed that the administration heard the delegation's issues. Prasad noted that most demands involve policy matters. The district administration will forward these issues to state and central governments. He also requested protesters to avoid road blockades and traffic disruptions. The agitators assured him they would not cause further inconvenience.
The protest continues as farmers seek resolution on long-standing issues. They remain determined until their demands receive proper attention from authorities.
