Protesting Indian farmers start hunger strike, marking Mahatma Gandhi anniversary

Thousands of farmers have been protesting against PM Narendra Modi’s agricultural reform laws, with a parade turning violent on Republic Day

Leaders said the hunger strike on the anniversary of the independence leader’s death would show that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful

Reading Time:1 minute

A farmer stands next to his tractor during an ongoing protest against the central government's recent agricultural reforms. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:13pm, 30 Jan 2021Updated: 9:53pm, 30 Jan 2021

Indian farmers began a one-day hunger strike on Saturday in protest against new agricultural laws after a week of clashes with authorities that left one dead and hundreds injured.

Angry at what they see as laws benefiting large private buyers at the expense of producers, tens of thousands of farmers have been camped at protest sites on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi for over two months.

A planned tractor parade on Tuesday’s Republic Day turned violent when some protesters deviated from pre-agreed routes, tore down barricades and clashed with police, who used tear gas to try and restrain them.

Sporadic clashes between protesters, police and groups shouting anti-farmer slogans have broken out on multiple occasions since then.

Farm leaders said Saturday’s hunger strike, to coincide with the death anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, would show Indians that the protesters were overwhelmingly peaceful.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x