Indian farmers continue protest against Modi's policies for 12th days

NEW DELHI (92 News) – Thousands of farmers continued their protest against policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 12th day.

Sikh leader Amarjeet Singh appealed to the Pakistani government and the media to help them against Hindutva. 

Reuters adds: Thousands of people protested and blocked traffic in central London on Sunday over Indian agricultural reforms that have triggered mass demonstrations in India. 

A crowd of demonstrators converged on the Indian embassy, located on Aldwych, a major artery in the centre of the British capital, and groups marched around the Trafalgar Square area.

Tens of thousands of farmers have protested in India against three laws the government says are meant to overhaul antiquated procurement procedures and give growers more options to sell their produce.

Farmers fear the legislation, passed in September, will eventually dismantle India’s regulated markets and stop the government from buying wheat and rice at guaranteed prices, leaving them at the mercy of private buyers.

The Indian government failed to break a deadlock with the farmers protesting against the laws, which they say threaten their livelihoods. “Farmers made it clear to the ministers that they want the government to repeal the laws,” Jagjit Singh Dhalewal, a senior farmers’ leader, said. 

They are calling for the government to repeal the laws and retain mandatory government purchases, among other demands.

Led by influential farming groups from the grain-producing states of Haryana and Punjab, the protests are a test of Modi’s ability to reform the agricultural sector. Agriculture makes up nearly 15% of India’s $2.9 trillion economy and employs around half of its 1.3 billion people.