Indian farmers' protest: Tear gas used, govt proposes talks
Indian authorities deployed tear gas to disperse thousands of farmers protesting against government proposals on produce pricing on Wednesday, as the demonstrators attempted to resume their march towards Delhi.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing farmers' protests, which have seen demands for better pricing for their crops.
The confrontation occurred approximately 200 kilometers north of New Delhi, where farmers had gathered to continue their march towards the capital, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's stance on agricultural produce prices.
In response to the protests, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended an offer for a new round of negotiations. Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda announced the government's readiness to discuss all issues, including guaranteed prices for crops, aiming to resolve the grievances through dialogue.
The protests and subsequent police action highlight the deepening rift between the farming community, primarily from the northern state of Punjab, and the government. The farmers demand higher prices backed by law for their crops, a significant issue ahead of the general elections that Prime Minister Modi cannot overlook due to the farmers' substantial influence as a voter bloc.
Amidst the protests, security measures were heightened at entry points to New Delhi, with barricades and riot police in place, leading to traffic disruptions in the city of more than 20 million people. This latest episode of unrest follows a series of protests in recent years, including a significant encampment at the border of New Delhi two years ago, which forced the government to repeal a set of controversial farm laws.
