Hussain 
Police in India Resorted to firing Tear Gas on Tuesday to Disperse Hundreds of Farmers and their Supporters who were Marching towards New Delhi. The Protest Aimed to Pressure the Government into Fulfilling a Promise made in 2021 to offer better Prices for Crops.
This March is the Latest in a Series of Protests that Began over two Years ago Occurring just Months ahead of National Elections in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi Seeks a third Term. Farmers Represent a Significant Voting Bloc and have been instrumental in Shaping Political Discourse.
The Decision to Escalate the Protest came after talks between farm Unions and Government Ministers Failed to Yield Commitments regarding minimum Prices for Various Crops. Sarwan Singh Pandher the General Secretary of Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) Expressed Dissatisfaction with the Government’s indecisiveness.
Footage from the Protest Sites in the Northern States of Punjab and Haryana Depicted Farmers Mobilising on Foot and in Convoys of Tractors. At the Shambhu Border Crossing, Police fired tear Gas to Disperse the Marchers leading to Clashes as Protesters attempted to Breach Barricades.
Farm Unions are Demanding legal Guarantees for increased state Support or crop Procurement at minimum Prices. They also Seek the fulfilment of the Government’s Pledge to Double Farmers’ income.
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Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda Stated that some issues had been addressed during talks with Union leaders but further discussions were Necessary. However the main Opposition Congress Party accused the Government of failing Farmers and Exacerbating their Debt Burden.
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Despite the Government annually announcing minimum Prices for over 20 Crops state Agencies Primarily Purchase only Rice and wheat at these Rates, Benefiting a Small fraction of Farmers. The Government’s delay in implementing Measures to ensure Support Prices for all Crops has drawn Criticism from Farmers who assert that Promises made during the 2021 Protests remain Unfulfilled.
