Indian farmers, protesting for a week, have spurned a government offer and vow to continue their march towards New Delhi. Authorities, fearing a repeat of prolonged protests in 2021, have blocked their entry using tear gas and heavy barricades.
Farm leaders declined a five-year contract for guaranteed crop prices, deeming it unfavorable. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a protest leader, stated that the proposed offer wasn’t in farmers’ interests. Tens of thousands, situated 200 kilometers away, plan to resume their march on Wednesday.
The renewed movement echoes protests from over two years ago, urging legislation to ensure minimum support prices for all farm produce. Farmers seek income stabilization and fulfillment of previous promises, including loan waivers and withdrawal of legal cases.
Despite failed negotiations, the deadlock persists. Piyush Goyal, a negotiating minister, acknowledges the complexity of farmers’ demands.
The protests coincide with impending national elections, posing a challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, which heavily relies on farmer support.
Source: AP News
