The Communist Party of Marxist India has embarked on a long march involving thousands of Tribals and farmers from all tehsils of Palghar district to press for what he described as several burning and long-pending demands, including the full implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act.
The march that started on Monday from Charoti in Dahanu tehsil is heading towards Palghar revenue district, where it will reach today.
“The protesters will hold indefinite dharna at Palghar Collectorate until the government accepts in writing our burning and long-pending demands along with a time-definite guarantee for its implementation,” said Communist Party of India Marxist leader Ashok Dhawale, who is also national president of All India Kisan Sabha.
According to the CPI(M), the demands include grant of all inaam temples and government lands in the name of restoration of real farmers and strengthening of MGNREGA, cancellation of smart meter scheme, repeal of the four Labor Codes and scrapping of the proposed Wadhwan and Murbe port projects.
The party said participants in the march include farmers, agricultural workers, tribals, women and students from across Palghar district.
Organizations participating in the march include All India Kisan Sabha Indian Trade Union Centre, All India Democratic Women’s Association, All India Democratic Youth Federation, All India Students Federation and Adivasi Adhikar Rashtriya Manch.
The CPI(M) said the mobilization reflects growing discontent among tribal and rural communities over employment land rights and major infrastructure projects in the district.