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Bhopal. Farmers’ agitation in Madhya Pradesh became fierce on Wednesday over several demands including purchase of moong at 100 percent support price (MSP), legal guarantee of MSP, adequate availability of fertilizers, cancellation of the proposed trade deal with America and fulfillment of promises made to farmers. Under the ‘Kisan Kranti Padyatra’, a large number of farmers are marching towards the Chief Minister’s residence. During this period, incidents of breaking police barricades and shouting slogans by climbing on buses were reported at many places.

Farmers broke the barricade and moved ahead, putting pressure on the police.
After 11 am, as the number of farmers from different districts increased, the movement took a violent turn. The protesters removed the barricades and started moving forward and many young farmers climbed on the roof of the buses and started shouting slogans. The police force deployed on the spot kept trying to stop the farmers, but at many places the protesters succeeded in moving forward. However, farmer leaders continued to appeal to the protesters to maintain peace.

Farmers standing firm on Veer Savarkar Bridge-
Bhopal Police, while tightening security arrangements, had stopped the group of farmers at Veer Savarkar Bridge on Hoshangabad Road on Tuesday itself. After this the farmers camped there the whole night. As soon as Wednesday morning came, the number of farmers started increasing rapidly at the protest site, due to which the concern of the administration also increased.

The movement also had an impact on schools-
The impact of the farmers’ movement was also seen on the education system. A precautionary holiday was declared in many schools on Narmadapuram Road and surrounding affected areas. The administration took this decision keeping in mind the safety of children and possible traffic jams.

‘Will reach CM House under any circumstances’-
A large number of farmers reached Bhopal from many districts including Narmadapuram, Harda, Raisen and Sehore. Farmer organizations announced to siege the Chief Minister’s residence and warned of intensifying the movement. Farmer leader Gajendra Singh Jat said that if the government blocks the way, farmers will also find new ways to reach the Chief Minister’s residence. He said that if the demands are not met, the movement will become more widespread.

Entry of youth also in the movement-
After Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, participation of Gen-G youth was also seen in the farmers’ movement in Bhopal. Young protesters were seen carrying posters and placards and raising slogans in support of the farmers. He tried to take the movement forward in a constructive manner.

Congress supported the farmers-
State Congress President Jitu Patwari accused the government of ignoring the farmers and said that if everything is fine then why have thousands of farmers walked hundreds of kilometers to reach Bhopal. He said that Congress stands with the farmers and supports all their demands.

The government gave assurance of talks-
On Tuesday, a delegation of farmers met Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana and put forth their demands. The Minister assured that the government is serious in solving the problems of the farmers and all the issues including moong procurement will be resolved on priority basis. He has also written a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan requesting him to increase the quota of moong procurement for Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that a committee has been formed to solve the problems of the farmers, which will communicate with the farmers. He said that the government is in favor of finding a solution through dialogue and care will be taken to ensure that the public does not face any kind of problem.

The protest became more violent in the afternoon-
After 1 o’clock in the afternoon the movement took a more violent turn. Many young farmers boarded the buses and started raising slogans from there. At many places, protesters tried to remove the barricades installed by the police. However, farmer leaders continued to appeal to the protesters to exercise restraint and maintain a peaceful movement.