Haryana Farmers Protest: Farmers protest against new farm laws on their tractors.
Ambala / Chandigarh / New Delhi:
Haryana farmers have stepped up their protest against three new agriculture bills, which were introduced in Rajya Sabha this morning. The state government has stepped up security arrangements after various farmers’ organizations issued the protest call, emphasizing that they will block roads as part of the “Road Roko” protest. Delhi police are also on alert amid protests in neighboring states.
The images showed protesters on the roads, as many of them participated in demonstrations on their tractors. Many of them, dressed in white Kurta pajamas and chanting slogans against the new bills, were seen with flags and banners.
The state police are trying to take all measures to contain the situation. “We have planned traffic diversions. Whoever is coming from Delhi, Kurushketra, we have diversion plans for them. We have enough security force from the headquarters. Most of the personnel have been deployed to Ambala because they plan to go to Delhi from here,” added. Ambala’s senior police officer Abhishek Jorwal told the ANI news agency.
Earlier this week, the Lok Sabha passed three bills: the 2020 Farmers and Agricultural Products and Trade (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill and the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Guarantee and Agricultural Services. 2020, with a voice vote.
The government says the proposed laws are intended to help small and marginal farmers. However, the bills have sparked mass protests in agriculture-dependent states where farmers fear losing their livelihoods.
The Draft Law on Trade in Agricultural Products and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) of 2020 allows electronic commerce of agricultural products and allows the creation of transaction platforms to facilitate the direct online purchase and sale of agricultural products.
The Agricultural Price Assurance and Services Agreement for Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) seeks to develop a national framework for agricultural agreements to empower farmers through networks with agribusiness firms, exporters, and retailers.
However, the bills have sparked protests because farmers fear they will no longer be paid at the minimum price of living and commission agents fear being affected. Opposition parties say the bills are “anti-farmers” as the agricultural sector will be left to the fate of corporate interests.
“These new laws imposed by the government … we are protesting against them. It will be a great injustice if farmers do not have the option to sell their products,” a farmer told ANI today.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said this morning in Rajya Sabha: “I want to assure everyone that the bills have nothing to do with MSPs. MSPs were there and will continue. I would ask everyone to reconsider their points. of view on the agricultural bills. Both The bills are historic and will bring a change in the lives of farmers. Farmers will be able to freely market their products anywhere in the country. “
On Friday, Prime Minister Modi criticized an opposition “disinformation” campaign about the MSP.
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