Indian Farmers Clash with Police in Delhi Protest for Minimum Crop Prices
Indian farmers have clashed with police in a protest demanding minimum crop prices in the capital city of Delhi. The farmers, mostly from Punjab state, are still 200km away from Delhi, but security forces have been deployed to block their entry. This is not the first time farmers have taken to the streets to voice their grievances. In 2020, they blockaded national highways around Delhi for a year, forcing the authorities to roll back controversial agriculture reforms. However, farmers claim that their demands have still not been met.
The current protests come at a crucial time, just months before general elections in which the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive term. The farmers allege that the government has broken its promises and is not fulfilling their demands. They are calling for a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) that allows them to sell their produce at government-controlled wholesale markets. They are also demanding the government to double their income and withdraw court cases filed against farmers during the previous protest.
The clashes between farmers and police have turned violent, with tear gas and water cannons being used to disperse the protesters. Farmers claim that plastic and rubber bullets have been fired at them, and they criticize the media for creating a perception that they are “terrorists” or aligned with opposition parties. Farm leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized that their demands have remained consistent throughout the protests.
At the Shambhu border point between Haryana and Punjab states, farmers have been distributing protective eyewear to protesters facing tear gas shells. The farmers are determined to reach Delhi and have received support from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has stated that they have the right to move freely as citizens of the country. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party, have also extended their support to the farmers and condemned the government’s attempt to stop them from reaching Delhi.
Farm leaders have stated that they are open to continuing talks with the government, but they insist that the discussions take place in Chandigarh or near the protest site. The government has invited farm leaders for talks, and federal minister Anurag Thakur has urged the farmers to resume negotiations. He believes that a solution can be found through discussions, as most of the farmers’ demands have already been met.
As the protests continue and tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the farmers’ demands. The outcome of these protests could have significant implications for the upcoming general elections and the future of agricultural policies in India.
