Mumbai, Jan 24: Thousands of farmers from across Maharashtra reached Mumbai on Sunday evening to participate in a rally at the state capital on Monday against the Centre’s three new farm laws.
Police have stepped up security at Azad Maidan, the rally’s venue in south Mumbai, and personnel of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have also been deployed there. Drones will also be used to keep an eye on the event, a police official said.
The All India Kisan Sabha’s (AIKS) Maharashtra unit in a statement said around 15,000 farmers had set out for the state capital from Nashik on Saturday in several tempos and other vehicles.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar and some other prominent leaders of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the state will address the rally on Monday, the release said.
The state Congress unit, which is an ally of the MVA, has already extended its support to the protest. Farmers from various places had gathered in Nashik and started their journey towards Mumbai on Saturday.
Many peasants also joined on the way, the AIKS said.
They halted at Ghatandevi near Igatpuri hill town for overnight stay.
On Sunday morning, a number of farmers marched down the Kasara Ghat to head for Mumbai, while many left in vehicles.
Several women farmers took part in the seven-km long march at Kasara Ghat, which started at 9 am and ended by around 11.30 am.
Later, they continued their forward journey in vehicles. The Kasara Ghat march and the vehicle convoy was led by AIKS national president Ashok Dhawale, state president Kisan Gujar and its state general secretary Ajit Nawale. (PTI)
