New Delhi: A massive rally of over 20,000 people from 15 states today reached the national Capital after marching 340 kms from Gwalior, demanding their rights to land and livelihood.

The "Janadesh March", organised by Ekta Parishad, was flagged off at Guwalior on October 2 and have already marched for 24 days.

The activists plans to sit on a protest near the Parliament tomorrow.

Their demands included setting up of a National Land Authority, fast-track courts and a single window system to deal with land and livelihood disputes. Around 200 foreigners from 30 countries are also taking part in the rally lending support to the cause of the Tribals, Adivasis and landless workers.

"These villagers are not ready to go empty handed. This is an initiative to bring land reforms to centrestage in rural development policies," said Ekta Parishad founder P V Rajgopal, who is leading the rally. Rajgopal said there was a need for a "single window system" at district level to deal with land and livelihood issues.

He said that the government should set up a National Land Authority to look into the matters related to land reforms and other related issues. Seven persons have died during the rally till date. Four due to illness and three were killed in accidents.

50 trucks are carrying food items and medicines for the protesters.

Source : PTI