Independence Day: Muzaffarnagar Villagers hoist tricolour, sing national anthem in river to demand bridge

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar marked Independence day with a unique protest. Along with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) workers, the villagers spent 12 hours in the water of Hindon river to demand a bridge, reported TOI.
The protest began on Thursday morning when the villagers held the national flag and entered the river to begin the indefinite strike. They highlighted the urgent of their demand by singing the national anthem in the water.
“Villagers have been asking for a bridge over the Hindon River for years. The lack of one has caused significant hardship, particularly for farmers who need to cross the river to reach their fields. Despite previous protests and promises from the administratitration, the bridge is yet to be built," BKU Youth Wing President Vikas Sharma told TOI

“A year ago, we agitated for this bridge.The administration assured it would be built within months, but nothing has happened,” he added.

Farmer Ravinder Kumar, another protestor, said, “Farmers, including women, must wade through the river to reach our fields. The administration has done nothing.”
Subdivision magistrate (SDM) Nikita Sharma managed to calm the protestors down late on Thursday evening, assuring the villagers that a solution would be provided soon.