INDIA: Hundreds of Indian farmers entered Delhi on Friday after clashing with the security personnel, battling tear gas shells, and braving water cannons. The farmers are protesting against the new farm laws passed by the Centre. Sant Nirankari Ground, which is one of the biggest grounds in the capital, is the venue for the peaceful demonstrations.
The agitated farmers finally reached Delhi on Friday after hours of confrontation with the police at different border points in Haryana. Thousands of farmers entered Haryana from different entry points on Friday.
The farmers overcame various obstacles on the way. From dealing with the chilly weather of North India to facing the tear gas shells by the forces, they stood strong and didn’t budge at all. The farmers are protesting against three farm acts passed by the Modi government.
Demonstrations against the new farm laws
According to the reports, the peaceful demonstrations were allowed by the Delhi police after a long meeting between the farmer leaders and senior police officers. However, there are still thousands of farmers at border points who are undecided to go to the demonstration site. The senior farmer leader Darshan Pal said that they would stay put at border points on Friday night until a final decision is made.
At the Tikri border, some groups of farmers were escorted by police officials at around 3 pm. The farmers were then taken to the identified protest sites. But, those gathered at the Singhu border had not entered the city till late evening.
Yesterday, protesting farmers at the Delhi-Haryana Singhu border pelted stones and broke barricades as they clashed with the Delhi Police. Around three police officials were injured during the clashes. To control the protestors, the police had to use lathi-charge against the demonstrators along with tear gas shells.
Leaders condemn use of force on farmers
Many politicians, Bollywood celebrities, and leaders from across the world came in support of the farmers.
Preet Kaur Gill, Member of Parliament(MP) from the UK, shared a clip of the attack on the farmers along with a Twitter post stating, “This is no way to treat citizens who are peacefully protesting over the controversial farmers’ bill in India”.
Senior Samajwadi Party leader Ram Govind Chaudhary condemned the BJP for the treatment meted out to the farmers today. He also urged the people to extend their support to the farmers in their fight against the Centre’s farm laws.
In a statement, Chaudhary said that the government was treating the farmers as “enemies”. He also said that it was “shameful” and needs to be condemned.
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