India farmers to resume march to Delhi after crackdown

Indian farmers, primarily from Punjab state, are poised to continue their journey towards Delhi, in an ongoing demonstration advocating for minimum prices for their crops.

Currently stationed over 200 kilometres (125 miles) away from the capital at the Shambhu border in Haryana state, the farmers face barriers as Delhi is encircled by razor wire, cement blocks, and fencing on three sides to impede their progress.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when Haryana police resorted to tear gas as protesting farmers began dismantling barricades obstructing their path. However, farm leaders declared a temporary “ceasefire” later in the night, announcing their intention to resume the march on Wednesday morning.

The protest march commenced on Tuesday following unsuccessful negotiations between farm union representatives and federal ministers in attempts to resolve the impasse. With over 200 unions participating in the demonstration, farmers are steadfast in their demand for assured floor prices, also referred to as the minimum support price (MSP), which facilitates selling a significant portion of their produce at government-regulated wholesale markets or mandis. Additionally, they are adamant that the government honour its pledge to double farmers’ income.