Mumbai traffic police issues advisory as Farmers’ March with over 35,000 protesters reaches Thane

Over 30,000 farmers, who are protesting against the Maharashtra government for a complete loan waiver, reached Thane-Mumbai border on Sunday.

After walking in the blazing sun from Nashik, the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), which swelled to nearly 35,000 people, has reached Anand Nagar in Thane on Sunday morning.

The farmers are demanding a complete waiver of loans and electricity bills and the implementation of recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, which says farmers should be paid one-and-a-half times the cost of production for what they produce and the MSP’s should be fixed keeping this in mind.

All India Kisan Sabha’s protest march crosses Thane-Mulund Check Naka to reach Mumbai. Photo: ANI

AIKS national president Ashok Dhavle, local MLA J P Gavit and other leaders are leading the long march.

The massive march by farmers will proceed to the KJ Somaiya ground in central Mumbai before heading towards the state Legislative Assembly on Monday. MNS chief Raj Thackeray will meet the farmer’s at KJ Somiaya ground around 4:30 pm.

Congress extended it’s support to the farmers long March. President Of Maharashtra Congress Committee, Ashok Chavan in his tweet supported the farmers’ march and asked that the government should leave its stubborn attitude and accept their demands

As the long march heads towards their final destination, Mumbai traffic police preps for the jam and have also issued a traffic advisory to avoid congestion in the city. Elaborate security arrangements are also in place.

In the advisory, Mumbai police have mentioned that the Eastern Express Highway, southbound from Anand Nagar toll plaza to the Somaiya ground, will remain closed on Monday for heavy and goods vehicles from 9 am to 11 pm. These vehicles will alternately be diverted via Kalwa, Airoli, Vashi Creek and Vitava.

Source: Mumbai traffic police issues advisory as Farmers’ March with over 35,000 protesters reaches Thane