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Rajasthan Farmers Hold Peaceful Mahapanchayat Against Hanumangarh Ethanol Plant

Authorities imposed sweeping curbs, including a temporary mobile internet shutdown, to prevent unrest during the gathering.

Overview

  • Hanumangarh Superintendent of Police Harishankar said the Sangaria mahapanchayat concluded peacefully with participants from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.
  • Farmer leaders demanded cancellation of the plant’s MoU and withdrawal of police cases, refused talks without those assurances, and announced a next mahapanchayat in Talwara on February 11.
  • Mobile internet was suspended in Sangaria tehsil and a 10-km radius from Tuesday evening until 11:59 pm on January 7, with essential services exempted under an order by the Additional Divisional Commissioner, Bikaner.
  • Prohibitory orders under Section 163 were in force and police set up barricades and checkpoints at major entry points to the town.
  • Protesters argued the project threatens agriculture, groundwater and the environment, while the administration maintained it would bring jobs and industrial development.