IN the aftermath of the massive Delhi Kooch/Delhi March by farmers of Greater NOIDA on December 2, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government authorities had assured that the chief secretary would meet the farmers and address their concerns. On the basis of that assurance, the Joint Struggle Committee had decided to hold a peaceful dharna at the spot without disrupting traffic. However, on December 3rd morning, police started cordoning off villages to stop farmers from reaching the dharna venue and also forcibly arrested hundreds of farmers who were on protest, including a sizeable number of women. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), in a statement issued on December 3, has condemned this arbitrary unilateral action and demanded that all the arrested should be unconditionally released forthwith and date for the talks with farmers be announced immediately.

Undoubtedly, the massive protest on December 2, has rattled the so-called “double engine sarkar” led by the BJP at the centre and the state. The police action and arrest are an attempt to browbeat the farmers. AIKS warns that such intimidatory tactics will not deter us from fight for the genuine demands of the farmers. AIKS along with other organisations will intensify the struggle and continue till all the genuine demands are met.