Rajasthan Farmers Protest: Clashes Erupt at Ethanol Plant as 15-Month Rajasthan Farmers’ Protest Turns Violent

Tension continues to escalate in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district after a 15-month-long farmers’ protest against an ethanol plant turned violent on Wednesday. Thousands of farmers gathered for a mahapanchayat in Tibbi, expressing anger over the plant’s construction that restarted on 18 November. Despite initial talks with authorities, no concrete resolution was reached, intensifying the situation. As the crowd swelled beyond 5,000, protesters moved towards the under-construction plant, breaking barricades with tractors, toppling walls, and entering the premises. Violent clashes erupted between farmers and police, forcing security personnel to use lathicharge and tear gas to regain control. Several vehicles, including police jeeps and a JCB machine, were set on fire. A local Congress MLA was reportedly injured during the confrontation. In light of the unrest, large police deployments have been made, and internet services in the region remain suspended to prevent misinformation and further escalation. Authorities maintain that the ethanol project poses no harm, while farmers argue it threatens their land and livelihoods. A crucial farmers’ meeting is expected today as leaders attempt to reassess their strategy and decide the next course of action. The situation remains tense, with both sides awaiting a peaceful breakthrough