Palghar long march: Won’t go home without land ownership, say protesters

Thousands of tribals and farmers, including Draupadi Bhuyal, marched from Charoti to the Palghar Collector office in Maharashtra demanding land ownership under the Forest Rights Act, removal of smart meters, and cancellation of the Vadhavan project. Prachi Hatiwlekar, CPI(M) women wing State secretary, joined the protest along with Ashok Dhawale, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member and Vinod Nikole, party’s two-term MLA from Dahanu. The protesters also demanded revival of the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme, appointment to vacant government posts, benefits of the Gharkul scheme, and cancellation of the Vadhavan and Murbe ports development projects. They expressed concerns over land acquisition for infrastructure projects like the Bullet train and the impact on their livelihood.