India Farmers’ Protest: Unmet Demands and use of tear gars
The ongoing farmers’ protest in India has reignited tensions between the agricultural community and the government, reminiscent of the 2020 demonstrations that captured global attention. Despite the repeal of controversial agriculture laws, farmers are back on the streets, demanding action on unmet promises and assurances. The authorities are crushing the demands by various means using, tear gases to dispersed the crowd, implying section144 and barricading the borders.
Background:
- Recap of the 2020 protests and the eventual repeal of controversial agricultural laws not accespted by the farmers.
- Importance of farmers’ demands for minimum crop prices (MSP) and income doubling.
- Political significance: Prime Minister Modi’s government faces pressure to address farmer grievances ahead of elections.
Current Situation:
- Thousands of farmers march towards Delhi, met with tear gas and police resistance.
- Heavy security measures deployed around the capital to prevent protest encroachment.
- Reports of clashes between protesters and law enforcement, leading to injuries.
- Disruptions in Delhi’s traffic and public gatherings prohibited.
Tear gas sprayed on protesters
On Tuesday, pictures showed thick clouds of tear gas being sprayed on protesters near the city of Ambala, about 200km north of the capital.
At the Shambhu border between Haryana and Punjab states, police fired tear gas for the second consecutive day. Drones hovered above the crowd and dropped tear gas on people.
“It was like tear gas was falling like rain all day,” said a BBC Punjabi reporter who was there. Some people in the crowd got hurt, mostly from plastic bullets fired by the police.
In response, some protesters threw stones at the police. Farmers used wet sacks and clothes to shield themselves from the tear gas.
Farmers’ Demands:
- Call for guaranteed floor prices (MSP) and fulfillment of income doubling promise.
- Discontent over delays in implementing measures to support agricultural sector.
- Asserting rights to sell produce at government-controlled markets (mandis).
Government Response:
- Two rounds of talks between farm unions and federal ministers fail to yield resolution.
- Partial agreement reached on withdrawal of cases from previous protests, but MSP remains contentious.
- Delay in delivering on promises, including the formation of committees to address farmers’ concerns.
Implications and Outlook:
- Growing frustration among farmers may lead to prolonged protests and unrest.
- Political ramifications for Prime Minister Modi’s administration amid upcoming elections.
- Potential economic impact of continued disruptions on agricultural activities and supply chains.
Conclusion: The persistence of farmers’ protests underscores the deep-rooted grievances within India’s agricultural sector and the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and action from the government. As tensions escalate and demands remain unaddressed, the path forward is uncertain, with implications reaching far beyond the fields and borders of India.
