Farmers clash with police in protest over farm laws

Thousands of protesting farmers scuffled with police during a march to Delhi against the new farm laws. The police resorted to lathicharge, fire tear gas and used water cannon to disperse the agitating crowd. A group of farmers was seen throwing stones at police personnel and damaging police barricades. "Although the police have tried to stop us with force, barricades and water cannons, we've decided to stay the course to make sure the government listens to the voice of millions of farmers," said protesting farmer Sukrampal Dhayana. The central government enacted the laws, which allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere, including to big corporate buyers. Most of the farmer organisations oppose the new laws, saying it would leave small growers with little bargaining power. Farmers blocked Delhi-Chandigarh highway and caused traffic jams at several places. Opposition parties also accused the Modi government of destroying the agriculture sector by bringing these laws.