Greater Noida Police Detain Farmers and SP Leaders to Block YEIDA Protest
Police block farmers and Samajwadi Party leaders from protesting at YEIDA office amid Section 163 enforcement in Greater Noida.
Tensions escalated in Greater Noida as law enforcement officials intercepted and detained a large number of farmers and Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders who were attempting to stage a protest at the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) office. The crackdown comes amidst the strict enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which forbids unauthorized public gatherings in the area.
Crackdown on the March
On October 20, 2026, police set up checkpoints at various locations to stop the influx of protesters heading toward the YEIDA headquarters. Numerous farmers were detained before they could even reach the site. For those who managed to bypass the initial blockades and arrive at the authority's office, the outcome was the same; they were promptly apprehended, loaded onto buses, and transported to the local police line.
The demonstration was led by prominent figures including Sukhbir Khalifa, Rupesh Verma, and Sooran Pradhan of the Kisan Ekta Sangh. The leaders had mobilized the farmers to hold the authorities accountable for broken promises.
The Root of the Conflict: Unfulfilled Promises
The anger among the farming community stems from a perceived betrayal by the YEIDA. According to the protesters, the authority had provided assurances regarding a 10% developed plot scheme, with a deadline for fulfillment set for October 5, 2026. When the deadline passed without action, the farmers decided to take to the streets.
Key Demands of the Farmers
- Additional Compensation: The protesters are demanding an additional 64% compensation for their land.
- Residential Land Issues: A resolution to long-standing disputes regarding their residential (abadi) land.
- Scheme Implementation: The immediate fulfillment of the 10% developed plot scheme.
Indefinite 'Mahapadao' and International Concern
Despite the detentions, the resolve of the protesters remains firm. On October 21, 2026, the Kisan Sangharsh Morcha launched an indefinite 'Mahapadao' (sit-in protest) at the Yamuna Authority, vowing to continue their struggle until their demands are met.
The situation has now attracted attention beyond India's borders. Experts from the United Nations have raised concerns over the use of Section 163 to suppress the gatherings. The UN experts suggested that such restrictive measures might be in violation of India's legal obligations concerning the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.