Communist Party of India (Marxist) Launches Major Protest March in Palghar
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) started a significant long march on Monday. This large-scale protest involves nearly 50,000 participants from every tehsil in Palghar district. People are marching to highlight several critical and long-standing demands that affect their daily lives.
Key Demands of the Marching Protesters
Ashok Dhawale, a CPI(M) politburo member and national president of the All India Kisan Sabha, outlined the main demands in an official release. The protesters want the complete implementation of two important laws. These are the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act.
Other major demands include several important changes. The marchers are calling for all temple land, 'inaam' land, and government land to be officially registered in the names of the actual farmers who work it. They also demand the restoration and strengthening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The protestors strongly oppose the current 'smart meter' scheme. They want it cancelled immediately. Additionally, they are demanding the repeal of the four Labour Codes. The proposed Vadhavan and Murbe ports are also a point of contention. The marchers want these port projects scrapped entirely.
Route and Plan for the Long March
The long march began its journey from Charoti in Dahanu tehsil. The protesters plan to halt for the night at Manor. On Tuesday, the march will proceed towards the Palghar district collectorate.
Ashok Dhawale made the party's intentions very clear. He stated that the marchers will stage an indefinite dharna, or sit-in protest, at the Palghar collectorate. They will continue this protest until the government provides a written acceptance of their demands. The government must also give a definite, time-bound assurance for implementing these demands.
Who is Participating in This Massive Protest?
The release from the CPI(M) detailed the wide range of people joining the march. Participants include farmers, agricultural workers, adivasis (tribal communities), general workers, women, youth, and students from across Palghar district.
Several prominent organizations are supporting and participating in this mobilization. These groups include:
- The All India Kisan Sabha
- The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)
- The All India Democratic Women's Association
- The Democratic Youth Federation of India
- The Students' Federation of India
- The Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch
This coalition shows the broad-based support for the issues being raised. The march represents a unified stand by various sections of society in Palghar.
