Police use tear gas to stop farmers’ Protest near Delhi

International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, December 6th, 2024

RKI Website

Indian police fired tear gas on Friday to halt a farmers’ march toward New Delhi, reigniting demands for guaranteed minimum crop prices. Farmers revived their “March to Delhi” campaign this week, drawing inspiration from their 2021 protests that forced the government to repeal controversial agricultural laws.

Police blocked protesters at Shambhu, 200 kilometers from the capital, with barricades and razor wire, while mobile internet services were suspended to disrupt coordination. Farmers waving blue and yellow flags breached part of the barricade but were stopped by authorities.

“We held four rounds of talks in February, but no progress has been made. We demand our right to protest,” said farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher.

The protesters seek price guarantees, loan waivers, and better compensation for government-acquired land. With agriculture supporting two-thirds of India’s 1.4 billion population and contributing nearly 20% of GDP, farmers hold significant political influence.

The renewed protests coincide with the national parliament session, highlighting persistent tensions between farmers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which faced a year-long farmer agitation in 2020-2021 over proposed reforms.