80 km covered, thousands of tribals march towards Mumbai for Land Rights

Maharashtra | Desk: Thousands of tribal people are marching towards Mumbai in a "long march" demanding their land rights and the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The march, which began on January 25, has already covered 80 kilometers. The protesters have made it clear that they will not end their agitation until Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis meets with them and provides concrete assurances.

On Monday, January 26, Republic Day, the protesters continued their demonstration by hoisting the tricolor flag on the Nashik-Mumbai highway.

A delegation of leaders from the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the CPI(M), who are leading the movement, will meet with ministers and senior officials in Mumbai today, Tuesday (January 27, 2026).

The protesters' main grievance is the large-scale rejection of land claims under the Forest Rights Act. In addition, the unfulfilled promises made during the previous march in 2018 regarding the diversion of river water, as well as issues related to education and employment, are also central to this protest.

However, Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan has appealed to the protesters to stop the march, claiming that a high-level meeting has been convened at the ministry after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday to address all these issues.

Despite this, Kisan Sabha president Ashok Dhawale has clarified that mere assurances of meetings will not suffice. He stated that thousands of men and women will continue their disciplined march towards Mumbai until concrete action is taken on their demands.

The march is expected to reach Mumbai by February 3.