Hanumangarh Ethanol Factory Row: Dec 16 MoU Deadline, Dec 17 Mahapanchayat

• Farmers in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, are protesting an ethanol factory, citing environmental pollution and threats to their livelihoods.
• A violent protest on December 10 saw farmers vandalize the factory, set vehicles on fire, and clash with police, resulting in injuries and arrests.
• Protesters have given an ultimatum to the administration to cancel the factory's MoU by December 16.
• If the MoU is not cancelled, a large 'Mahapanchayat' will be held on December 17 at the District Collectorate.
• Prominent farmer leaders like Rakesh Tikait are expected to attend the December 17 Mahapanchayat, with police on high alert.

Why It Matters: Farmer protest vs. ethanol factory: Highlighting critical development-environment conflicts.