Rajasthan: Sikar farmers' agitation paralyses traffic on National Highway-52, at least six districts affected

Agitating farmers of Rajasthan, who are demanding implementation of Swaminathan Commission Report, waiver of farm loans and and compensation for damaged crops among others, have taken to roads. They blocked National Highway-52, which connects Agra to Bikaner, and almost completely paralysed vehicular traffic in at least 6 districts that include Sikar, Jhujhunu, Churu, Bikaner, Jaipur and Sriganganagar.

India Today travelled to Sikar from Jaipur to cover farmer protests at Ground Zero. A journey that otherwise takes around three hours took close to five hours due to numerous traffic blockades.

Protesting farmers, both young and old, were adamant at not letting the traffic pass through, except for emergencies. Long lines of trucks and other vehicles were seen along the way.

Sikar district resembles a town under siege as thousands of farmers have occupied the Jaipur-Sikar route and continue to block the area outside the local agriculture produce market.

The farmers have put forth several demands before Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government, including the implementation of Swaminathan Commission Report, waiver of farm loans, etc.

Ram Ratan, one of the leaders of agitating farmers at the Mahapadaav in Sikar, told India Today, "We have put forth a list of 11 demands. We will not vacate the site of protests until our demands are met with."

At the NH 52, farmers can be seen wielding sticks, not letting the traffic pass through.

"Whatever (the inconvenience be), we will not let the traffic pass through till our demands are met with. We will stay put as we have been doing so far," a farmer, with a stick in his hand and a red turban on his head, told India Today.

The agitators have been letting ambulances, students and cases of emergencies through, but only after thorough check.

The farmers claimed they have taken their protests onto the roads, brought about disruption in a bid to have their voices heard. Some of them claimed that if the government does not accede to their demands, they will ensure the essential services are affected.

Section 144 has been imposed in an area of two kilometres around the Sikar District Collectorate.

The protesting farmers have blocked roads, entry and exit paths to Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts of Rajasthan. Sikar is the worst affected district and is the ground zero of ongoing farmers' protests.

Amraram, former MLA and leader of protesting farmers, stated, "If the government does not agree to the recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission along with the demand for farm loan waiver, then their mahapadav and blockades will continue."

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