Indian Farmers and Police clash in protest gone wrong

Thousands of Indian farmers and security agents were embroiled in a clash that saw both parties firing tear gas and leaving many injured, and one dead as of this writing, in what has been described as a tractor rally that forcefully found its way into the city.

The rally which was allowed to go on in the outskirts on the grounds that the annual Republic parade will not be affected, took a dramatic turn as the farmers breached the Delhi Red Fort, leading to a clash with the police in a bid to restore order.

According to the world bank, 40% of India’s workforce is involved in some form of agriculture, however, between 2017and 2020, the average agricultural daily wages have continued to decrease consistently due to the rising inflation and fluctuating prices, leaving many farmers in debt.

The farmers are protesting against a new farming law introduced by the current administration which the farmers have disclosed will weaken their bargaining power and make them vulnerable to private companies for exploitation

The farmers now want those laws repealed after rejecting an offer by the government to put the laws on hold. The farmers have since November been on a strike to have the law reversed, but the government argued that the reforms will help to liberalise the agricultural sector.

The protests, unfortunately, coincided with the Republic Day celebrations, the farmer unions have despite the mayhem that occurred yesterday disclosed that they will continue to protest until their demands are met.