Indian police use tear gas to disperse farmers’ protest

Indian police fired tear gas again this Wednesday, the second day in a row of protests by farmers who are trying to advance towards the capital New Delhi despite a strong police force trying to block their path.

Earlier this week, Indian farmers staged a so-called “March on Delhi” to demand a minimum price for their crops, but police set up heavy barricades of concrete blocks and barbed wire to block access to the city center.

The sector already took to the streets in January 2021 when it staged strong protests against the government, although it is now also demanding concessions such as loan forgiveness and has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the problems they face. This was reported by NDTV channel.

In the town of Shanbhu, about 200 kilometers from the capital, clashes were reported between protesters and security forces, who erected barricades and walls to prevent the marches from continuing, a day after farmers were also hit with tear gas.

Indian Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda urged farmers to be patient as the law guaranteeing a minimum price for each crop cannot be approved without consultation with all stakeholders, he explained.

Farmers have great political influence in India due to their large numbers, and fresh protests are taking place ahead of elections scheduled for April.

Two-thirds of India’s 1.4 billion people rely on agriculture, which accounts for nearly a fifth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to government data.

This Wednesday, farmers said they had enough fuel to withstand a “long strike” and reach New Delhi.

The farmers assured that they can withstand up to six months of protests and assured that they will not leave until their demands are met.