Tribal Farmers March to Nashik, Threaten Mumbai Long March Over Unmet Demands
In a significant display of rural discontent, tribal farmers from across Nashik district have initiated a coordinated march towards the city, demanding immediate action on long-standing grievances. The protest, organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the All India Kisan Sabha, has seen farmers converge from multiple routes, with a clear warning: if their meeting with the district collector fails to yield results, they will embark on another "long march" to Mumbai.
Convergence of Protest Routes
The farmers began their journey along four primary routes, originating from key locations including Chandwad, Peth, Dindori, Surgana, Kalwan, and Trimbakeshwar. These groups reached various staging points on Friday night, with plans to resume movement towards Nashik city on Saturday morning. Indrajeet Gavit, district secretary of CPI(M), stated that the aim is to reach Mhasrul by evening, setting the stage for crucial talks with authorities.
Roots of the Unrest
The current agitation stems from what farmers describe as the administration's failure to fulfil promises made during previous protests, notably "long march 1 and 2," which saw thousands of farmers walk to Mumbai in earlier years. Gavit emphasized that despite consistent coordination with authorities before, during, and after past marches, the administration appears to be taking their demands lightly. This perceived neglect has fueled the decision to take to the streets once again.
Core Demands of the Farmers
The farmers have outlined a comprehensive list of demands, reflecting deep-seated issues in tribal agricultural communities:
- Formally adding beneficiaries' names to land parcels sanctioned under the Forest Rights Act
- Providing adequate irrigation facilities for these land parcels
- Extending tribal welfare scheme benefits to all eligible farmers
- Ensuring minimum support price (MSP) for all farm produce in tribal regions
- Securing benefits for local communities from river-linking projects
Failed Negotiations and Warnings
Gavit noted that while a delegation met with officials over the last several days, the response remained non-committal. "They continue to say they will hold meetings and reviews, but there has been no significant progress. That is why we are walking to Nashik," he said. The farmers plan to hold talks with the Collector on Saturday, with a clear ultimatum: if these discussions fail, the agitation will be converted into a long march to Mumbai, echoing previous large-scale protests.
Administrative Challenges
District administration sources have indicated that many of the issues raised involve policy decisions that require action from both state and central governments, rather than local authorities alone. This complexity adds layers to the resolution process, potentially prolonging the standoff between farmers and officials.
The march underscores ongoing tensions in India's agricultural sector, particularly in tribal regions where land rights and economic support remain contentious issues. As farmers converge on Nashik, all eyes are on the upcoming talks, which could determine whether another long march to Mumbai becomes a reality.
