Bawal, Haryana:
Farmers protesting against the new agricultural laws clashed with police this afternoon on the Delhi-Jaipur highway when they were prevented from heading to the national capital to join thousands of people camped on the outskirts of the city. About 20 of them were detained and more than 200 farmers staged a sit-in against the arrest; they were released about an hour later.
Dramatic footage showed protesters on tractors blocking part of the road as police tried to stop them. Police officers were seen climbing onto tractors, snatching vehicle keys and negotiating with them as security personnel made every effort to clear the road.
The clashes took place after a large gathering of peasant leaders, Mahapanchayat, which took place in Bawal de Haryana at 1pm to come up with a plan when state protesters were prevented from blocking the Delhi-Jaipur highway on Sunday. After deliberating for an hour, they decided to continue their journey to the national capital.
As security personnel, police and paramilitary troops, learned of his latest move, they blocked Banipur Chowk, which was nearby, in an attempt to block further demonstrations. However, the farmers on tractors, unmoved by the barricades and huge police presence, did not stop, sparking an inevitable showdown.
Medha Bhushan, Additional Police Superintendent, Rewari, told NDTV: “Our effort at this time is to keep the path clear.
In Rewari, 10 km away, peaceful protests continue.
Yesterday, activist Yogendra Yadav led one of the groups that marched towards Delhi by road. “It is a strange negotiation. They are forcing a gift, which is not wanted in the first place. The prime minister says it is a historical gift, but the farmers do not want it,” the head of Swaraj India told NDTV, referring to the laws. agricultural. while attacking the government.
Today, several peasant leaders across the country are on hunger strike, marking an escalation in protests that began in late November over demands for the repeal of new farm laws, which farmers say will leave them at the mercy of the companies. However, the government has said it will increase its income.
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