India blocks thousands of farmers from marching to capital

Indian security forces have deployed heavy security to block thousands of protesting farmers heading towards the capital.

Indian police on February 13 blocked several highways into New Delhi by erecting barbed wire, concrete dividers and steel barriers. Gatherings of five or more people were banned in New Delhi. Internet services were suspended in several districts of neighboring Haryana state.

Traffic jam on the New Delhi - Gurgaon Sirhaul highway on February 13 due to farmers' protests. Photo: AFP — Traffic jam on the New Delhi - Gurgaon Sirhaul highway on February 13 due to farmers' protests. Photo: *AFP*

Hundreds of tractors were moving towards the capital from the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Indian media reported. Heavy tear gas was fired to disperse protesters gathered near Ambala, about 200km north of the capital.

"We have deployed maximum manpower," said Ranjay Atrishya, deputy commissioner of Delhi police.

Farmers are demanding that the government introduce a minimum price guarantee for all agricultural products, and is also demanding that the government fulfill its commitment to double farm incomes.

Currently, the Indian government protects agricultural producers by announcing a minimum purchase price at the beginning of the growing season that takes into account the cost of production. However, this measure is only applicable to a few essential crops.

The protest comes more than two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled back controversial farm policies, with tens of thousands of Indian farmers gathering outside the capital amid a harsh winter and a pandemic.

The repeal of the farm laws in November 2021 was seen as a major setback for the Modi government. At that time, the Indian government announced that it would set up a panel of farmers and officials to find ways to ensure support prices for all agricultural products. Several meetings took place but no progress was made.

The rally comes months before India's general election, which many predict will see Modi win a third term.

"We don't want to break the fence. We want to resolve the issue through dialogue. But if the government doesn't do anything, what will happen to us? We are being forced," said Sarwan Singh Pandher, leader of a farmers' group.

He said talks between farm owners and government ministers on February 12 failed to reach consensus on the farmers' key demands.

India blocks thousands of farmers from marching to capital — Tear gas clouds the Haryana-Punjab border on February 13. Video: *Reuters*

Two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion people are farmers, a sector that accounts for one-fifth of the country's GDP. Farmers are India's most influential voting bloc.

Indian Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said after the talks, some issues were resolved but further discussions were needed. "All issues are resolved through dialogue. We hope to reach a consensus solution," he said.

Hong Hanh (According to AP/Reuters/AFP )

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