For the second day, Indian police have deployed tear gas to prevent farmers who are seeking basic prices for their crops from marching towards India’s capital, Delhi.
In India, farmers from Punjab state are protesting again, demanding better prices for their crops. They want a guaranteed minimum price for their produce, which is called the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The farmers are also asking the government to fulfill its promise of doubling their income.
These farmers, who are still far from Delhi, the capital, have faced tear gas and other measures from the police, who are trying to stop them from reaching the city. Delhi is heavily guarded with barricades and security forces to prevent the farmers from entering.
The protesters have been distributing protective gear to each other to deal with tear gas, and they’ve accused the police of using plastic and rubber bullets against them. They’re also unhappy with how the media is covering their protest, feeling that they’re being portrayed unfairly.
The farmers want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pass a law guaranteeing MSP. This MSP ensures that farmers can sell their crops at a set price in government-controlled markets. They also want the government to keep its promise of increasing their income.
The protest began after two rounds of talks between farm unions and government ministers failed. Over 200 unions are participating in the protest, and the farmers aim to reach Delhi after crossing Haryana state.
During the protest, clashes with the police have led to injuries on both sides. There have been traffic jams and disruptions in Delhi due to diverted routes and blocked roads.
Farmers are a significant voting group in India, and the government doesn’t want to upset them, especially since elections are coming up. In 2020, similar protests led to the government withdrawing some controversial agriculture reforms.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has supported the farmers’ right to protest, saying they have the freedom to move around as citizens of the country. Opposition leaders, like those from the Congress party, have also backed the farmers and promised to guarantee MSP if they come to power.
Overall, the farmers are determined to have their voices heard and their demands met, despite facing resistance from the government and police.