Ghaziabad farmers enter 17th day of protest over land compensation demands

Farmers in Ghaziabad's Kanavni village have entered the 17th day of their protest demanding fair compensation for their land, with anger mounting against the local administration's perceived inaction. Despite multiple rounds of talks with officials over more than two weeks, the agitating farmers say no concrete decision has been taken on their demands, with each meeting ending only in assurances that lead nowhere.

The farmers allege that instead of addressing their grievances, the administration has resorted to punitive measures. Cases have been filed against several protesters, action was taken against a farmhouse on one farmer's land, and FIRs were registered against those opposing a dumping ground in the area. These actions have only fueled frustration among the farming community, who insist they are merely seeking rightful compensation and their legal entitlement to land.

In response to the stalemate, farmers have convened a mahapanchayat on Sunday, August 30, inviting representatives from surrounding villages to participate. The gathering will deliberate on the future course of the agitation and decide what steps to take next to pressure the administration into action. Until now, the protest has remained confined to Kanavni village, but farmers warn they are prepared to escalate if their demands continue to be ignored.

The protesters' primary demand is compensation based on the actual status of their land and the prevailing circle rate applicable in Kanavni. They have indicated that if no solution emerges, they will broaden the movement by inviting political leaders from ruling and opposition parties, as well as farmer and social organizations, to join the cause.

The mahapanchayat is expected to be a turning point, determining whether the protest remains localized or transforms into a wider agrarian movement across the region. All eyes are now on whether the administration will offer a tangible resolution or face an expanded agitation.