Farmers' mahapanchayat chokes major roads

Disregarding police permit, more than 10,000 farmers reach Ramlila Maidan amid tight security and traffic restrictions

- UJWAL JALALI

WITH farmers gathering in large numbers at the Ramlila Maidan to take part in a 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat' against the agricultural policies of the Centre, and subsequent traffic restriction in place, central Delhi and Sarai Kale Khan on Thursday witnessed massive traffic snarls.

Due to the hevy traffic congestion, vehicles came to a crawl at ITO, Delhi Gate, Daryaganj and on the National Highway 24 near Sarai Kale Khan, among other places.

Meanwhile at the Ramlila Maidan which has a capacity to accomodate around 1.25 lakh people, the Delhi Police had allowed only 5,000 farmers to assemble to hold the 'Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat'. Farmers were also asked not to bring tractor-trolleys into the city and take out a march to the Ramlila Maidan.

In spite of such stipulations, more than 10,000 people, including senior farmer leaders, reached the Ramlila Maidan to agitate against the Centre.