NEW DELHI: Indian riot police clashed with farmers on tractors Wednesday as they attempted to breach heavily guarded barricades and march on the capital to demand higher crop prices, launching a “Delhi Chalo” protest reminiscent of the 2021 demonstrations.
The farmers’ march, seeking a minimum price law for crops and other concessions, faced formidable obstacles including tear gas fired by police near Shambhu, 200 kilometers north of Delhi. The renewed protests come ahead of national elections, highlighting the political sway of India’s agriculturists.
With agriculture employing two-thirds of India’s population and contributing nearly a fifth of its GDP, the demands for reform resonate deeply. However, clashes ensued as police deployed tear gas and dropped canisters from drones, leading to injuries on both sides.
Police have fortified the capital with barricades, metal spikes, and ditches, while mobile internet services have been disrupted in some areas. Despite the obstacles, farmers have demonstrated resilience, with some navigating tractors across fields to circumvent blockades.
Minister of Agriculture Arjun Munda emphasized the need for cautious deliberation on implementing a minimum support price law, urging protesters to remain vigilant against those exploiting demonstrations for political gain.
The protests echo the 2020 demonstrations against agricultural reform bills, which lasted over a year and posed a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Despite the repeal of contentious laws in 2021, the grievances of Indian farmers persist, fueled by economic hardship and climate change-induced challenges in agriculture.
