Agricultural union leaders claim some 3 lakh farmers are taking part in the protest march
Chandigarh:
As thousands of farmers headed to Delhi on Thursday for a mass protest march, they marched alongside tractors carrying enough supplies for months.
Farmers in six states had been planning the “Delhi Chalo” protest for two months against the center’s new agricultural laws. Tear gas, water cannons and a large police contingent failed to prevent them from crossing Haryana on the way to Delhi.
“We have enough ration for two and a half or three months,” said Tarpreet Uppal, traveling in a modified tractor that is his lifeline.
“There is a 5,000 liter tank, gas stove, inverter, all the facilities you can think of. We have mattresses, duvets, enough vegetables,” he told NDTV, stating that the farmers had no intention of returning home anytime soon. They have a tarp to cover the tractor and protect them from the winter cold.
“We will stay in Delhi as long as necessary. We will win Delhi.”
Uppal said the last time they protested, in Punjab, it barely made a dent. “So this time, we will force them to realize it.”
Agricultural union leaders claim that some 3 lakh farmers are participating in the protest march. There are up to 700 cars, each with 20 people.
This morning, they crossed their first hurdle on the outskirts of Haryana, where protesters clashed with police on a bridge. Haryana, ruled by the BJP, has used a lot of force to block the farmers.
In dramatic footage, farmers, some armed with sticks and swords, were seen hurling barricades into the river, throwing bricks at police, and trying to physically push vehicles parked by Haryana police. They faced tear gas and water cannons and refused to retreat.
After a two-hour confrontation, the farmers cleared the bridge, far outstripping the policemen, and crossed into Haryana.
All roads to Delhi, especially in Gurgaon, were jammed as police inspected all vehicles entering the capital.
Farmers are protesting three farm bills they believe will reduce their profits and give large retailers and corporations more control over prices. Farmers unions and opposition parties have demanded that the laws be removed.
.
