What's happened
On December 6, 2024, Indian police clashed with farmers protesting near New Delhi, demanding legal guarantees for crop prices. The protests echo similar demonstrations from 2021, with farmers accusing the government of failing to fulfill promises made after previous protests.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, police used tear gas against farmers marching towards New Delhi, echoing the protests of 2021. The farmers are demanding legal guarantees for crop prices, which they argue are necessary for their economic stability. The Independent highlights that the government has previously promised to set up a committee to address these issues but has made little progress since then. Shweta Sharma from The Independent notes that farmers are also seeking compensation for land acquired for development, indicating a broader discontent with government policies. The contrasting perspectives from these sources illustrate the complexity of the farmers' grievances and the government's challenges in addressing them.
How we got here
The current protests stem from unresolved issues following the 2021 farmer protests, where the government repealed controversial agricultural laws. Farmers are now demanding legal assurances for minimum support prices and debt waivers, citing stagnant incomes amid rising cultivation costs.
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