SHAMBHU: The line of tractors stretched as far as one can see, with thousands of protesting Indian farmers marching to the capital, New Delhi, determined to voice their grievances to lawmakers.
Many have traveled across India’s northern Punjab state on slow-moving tractors, demanding guaranteed crop prices. They wave flags, honk horns, and chant protest slogans as they make their way towards New Delhi.
However, their progress has been halted midway by a formidable wall of concrete. Riot police, armed with batons, guard thick lines of barricades across the highway, determined to prevent the farmers from advancing. Despite the opposition, the farmers are equally determined to break through, using their tractors to push away the heavy concrete blocks.
Behind rolls of razor wire, police deploy water cannons and drop tear gas from overhead drones in an attempt to disperse the crowds. On Wednesday, both sides stood at a tense standoff, with government officials and farming union leaders engaging in discussions.
“We work long hours in the fields and still struggle to make ends meet,” said Sandeep Kumar, a 40-year-old farmer from Punjab state’s Mohali district. “But when we demand something from the government, we are met with pellets and baton charges.”
Heera Singh, 55, nursing a bloody foot wrapped in white gauze, vowed to continue protesting despite injuries sustained from tear gas canisters.
Amidst the chaos, the dull thuds of tear gas canisters punctuate protest chants, leaving a choking stench lingering in the air. The farmers, frustrated by the government’s lack of response to their grievances, launched the “Delhi Chalo” march, reminiscent of a similar protest in January 2021, aiming to draw attention to their plight.
“We have written letters and sent petitions, but the government has failed to respond,” said Bhupinder Singh, a farmer. “We work so hard, but we don’t save anything as input costs have gone up so much.”
The farmers, realizing the power of unity with the majority of India’s population relying on agriculture, pose a formidable force ahead of the general elections expected in April. As drones surveil the scene, farmers fly kites to distract the police, while others prepare to dampen tear gas canisters with water-soaked sacks.
While demands vary among the farmers, the primary issue remains ensuring a legal guarantee of a minimum price for crops. Although the government in Punjab pays a minimum price for wheat and rice, farmers argue for a more comprehensive system to protect their interests.
“What we want is a law that makes it binding for the government to give us MSP (minimum support price) for all of what we grow,” said Maan Singh, a 37-year-old farmer. “The government buys only what it wants, forcing us to sell most of our crop to middlemen at much lower prices.”
