After two days of protests demanding better crop prices, farmers' unions in India are set to meet with government ministers on Thursday. Thousands of farmers have been marching towards the capital, New Delhi, but have been stopped by police using tear gas and barricades.
The farmers are demanding a minimum guaranteed price for all their produce, a crucial measure for their livelihoods. This protest comes just months before national elections, putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who seeks a third term.
"We are going to the meeting with complete faith that some solution will be found," said Sarvan Singh Pandher, a leader of one of the protesting unions. This will be the third meeting between the unions and the government this month, with previous talks failing to secure the desired support prices.
While the talks are ongoing, farmers have taken a break at the border of Punjab and Haryana states, warming themselves and waiting for the outcome. A group of volunteers are maintaining peace during this time.
One farmer, Balbir Singh, expressed the struggles they face, "We are demanding fair crop prices, there's no fixed price so what will the farmer do? We’ll have to sell our land," he said. "Farmers are facing a financial crisis."
The protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian farmers and the pressure on the government to address their concerns. Local media reports also show farmers blocking rail traffic in Punjab, demonstrating the widespread reach of the protest.
Whether the talks yield a solution or not, the farmers' actions have brought national attention to their plight. This story is likely to continue unfolding as the talks progress and the elections draw closer.
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