Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Samyukt Kisan Morcha staged a protest at Choithram Mandi on Wednesday against the rising incidents of hooliganism in the mandi premises. The protest was sparked after a recent knife attack on a farmer from Manpur, which highlighted concerns over farmers' safety.
Various farmer organisations joined the demonstration, demanding strict action against anti-social elements and improvements in market security. Protesters alleged that salaries for around 150 security guards are regularly withdrawn from mandi account but their effectiveness in maintaining safety remains questionable.
The demonstrators criticised the market administration's negligence, claiming that the market premises have become a haven for anti-social elements. They alleged that extortion and other such inappropriate acts take place often.
Farmer leader Bablu Jadhav said “mandi authorities have failed to implement the directives of the Mandi Board’s managing director.” Farmers participating in the protest demanded improved security and better management in the mandi. They warned that if immediate action is not taken, a larger protest will be launched to safeguard farmers' interests.
Farmer leaders, including Ramswaroop Mantri, Bablu Jadhav, Pramod Namdev, Shailendra Patel, Chandan Singh Badwaha, and Sonu Sharma, led the protest. The demonstrators raised slogans and urged the authorities to curb illegal activities and mismanagement in the markets.
The protest saw participation from several organisations, including the Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, Kisan Mazdoor Sena, and Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan. Protesters warned the mandi administration that if security measures are not strengthened, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha will escalate the agitation.
