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Police in India shoot tear gas at farmers protesting for better crop prices

<ul><li>The Indian government today announced that the <keyword id="10416403" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="three-farm-laws" source="Orion">three farm laws</keyword> are being repealed.</li><li>Farmer leaders cheer the decision, calling it a victory, but also add that the demand to make the minimum support price enshrined in law is still pending.</li><li>Modi’s decision comes ahead of the elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, where the anger against the two laws have been the most intense.</li><li>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Business Insider</a>.</li></ul>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that the government will take steps to repeal the three controversial farm laws it had brought in last year, following protests ⁠— that has lasted over 300 days straight now ⁠— in and around the nation’s capital, in which <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/farmers-protest-333-days-600-deaths-later-stir-still-strong/articleshow/87269191.cms">more than 600 farmers have died so far</a>. The three laws are: <ol><li>Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020</li><li>Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020</li><li>Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020.</li></ol> The decision comes ahead of the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, the two states where the anger against these laws has been the most intense. The protests that followed have even turned violent. “There may have been some shortfall in our penance that we could not convince some of our farmer brothers,” Modi said in a special televised address on November 19 where he urged the farmers to call off the agitation. <div type="image" title="46EBB817-19C6-4170-9376-5AECF7BBFA8F" msid="87792689" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A protest against the farm laws.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “To make MSP (minimum support price) more effective and transparent, A committee will be constituted to take decisions on all such matters keeping in view the future. In this committee, there will be representatives of the central government, state governments, farmers, agricultural scientists, agricultural economists,” Modi added. Since the laws have been approved by the country’s Parliament, repealing them will also have to go through a constitutional process. The Narendra Modi-led government had billed these three farm laws as the reforms that the agriculture sector needed. The announcement comes on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the first Sikh guru. “It’s a historic victory...I do not think the demands of the farmers have been fully met. The other demand of the farmers has been that the minimum support price should be fully enshrined in law, but Prime Minister has not said anything about that yet,” Yogendra Yadav, from a political outfit called Swaraj India ⁠— who has been one of the leading voices from the side of the protesting farmers ⁠— told a television channel soon after this announcement. The protests against the laws were triggered by the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/apmc-and-msp-will-continue-under-new-farm-bills-2020/slidelist/78230172.cms">fear that these laws</a> would go on to end the regulated marketplaces called Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) and the minimum support price (MSP). Hundreds of farmers from Punjab parked themselves at the Singhu border outside the national capital, Delhi, and have been there since then, demanding that these laws be repealed. “All farmer unions will sit together and decide the future course of action,” Joginder Singh Ugrahan, one of the leaders of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, told news agency PTI after Modi’s address. This story is developing..

Indian Prime Minister moves to repeal the controversial farm laws

The <keyword id="45092" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Farmers" source="Orion">farmers</keyword> organisations have ended their over year-long agitation after the Centre on Thursday handed over a revised proposal as demanded. This was announced by the <keyword id="10302911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samyukta-Kisan-Morcha" source="Orion">Samyukta Kisan Morcha</keyword> at Singhu border on Thursday. The farmers have said, they will vacate the <keyword id="7021946" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-borders" source="Orion">Delhi borders</keyword> on Saturday and will meet on January 15. Soon after the Centre's revised proposal came, the Samyukta <keyword id="329771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-morcha" source="Orion">Kisan Morcha</keyword>, the umbrella body of the farmers' union spearheading the protests, huddled into a meeting to chart out future course of action. Following the revocation of the law, the Centre had come up with a proposal which was accepted by the farmers. Based on their demand, the Centre has come out with the same in writing. Meanwhile, the farmers protesting at the Singhu border have started removing their tents. They were also seen exchanging sweets. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/india-to-ban-crypto-exchange-to-exchange-transfers-and-launch-crypto-wallet/articleshow/88184151.cms">India's crypto bill may reportedly restrict exchange-to-exchange transfers and even launch its own crypto wallet</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/microsoft-whitehat-jr-collaborate-to-offer-minecraft-game-based-learning-experience/articleshow/88182095.cms">Microsoft, WhiteHat Jr collaborate to offer Minecraft game-based learning experience</a>

Farmers finally end their one-year long protest, will vacate the Delhi borders on Saturday

The Kisan <keyword id="372991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maha-panchayat" source="Orion">Maha Panchayat</keyword> in Lucknow on Monday was a firm reiteration of the six-point charter of demands that farmers have submitted to the Prime Minister. The Sanyukta <keyword id="329771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-morcha" source="Orion">Kisan Morcha</keyword>, an umbrella organisation of the farmers' unions, said that their protests would continue till their demands, including guarantee for minimum support price and dismissal of Union Minister <keyword id="12583565" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ajay-misra-teni" source="Orion">Ajay Misra Teni</keyword>, were met. Addressing thousands of farmers from several states, BKU spokesperson <keyword id="197789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rakesh-Tikait" source="Orion">Rakesh Tikait</keyword> said, "Our 'andolan' is not going to end till all our demands are met. We will hold similar panchayats across the country and those who think that the issue is over, are sadly mistaken." He said that MSP guarantee was their foremost demand. "We want to make the minimum support price (MSP) that is based on the formula of C2+50 per cent (means 50 per cent above the cost of production) as a legal right for all crops and for all farmers. In our letter, we have reminded the Prime Minister that it was a committee under his chair that had in 2011 recommended this to the then Prime Minister and his government later announced it in Parliament too," said Tikait. A large number of farmers at the Maha Panchayat came from Lakhimpur Kheri and the issue of the October 3 incident in which four farmers were allegedly mowed down by an SUV belonging to Union Minister Ajay Misra Teni's son Ashish Misra, figured prominently at the Maha Panchayat. The farmers demanded the dismissal and arrest of the minister who is also an accused in the case. His son Ashish Misra is already in jail. Tikait said that he had learnt that the government was bringing a new policy on dairy development and the farmers wanted that they should be consulted on the issue. He said that the next meeting of the farmers would be held on Delhi borders on November 26. The farmers, meanwhile, demanded land at Singhu border for a memorial in memory of farmers who had lost their lives during the agitation. Tikait also sought compensation for the families of deceased farmers. The other demands included withdrawal of the Power Regulation Amendment Bill, withdrawal of all cases related to the Delhi border agitation and stubble burning. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Sunday put forth six conditions in an open letter to the Prime Minister and threatened to continue the agitation if the government failed to discuss these with the farmers. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/central-bank-of-india-is-hiring-for-115-vacancies-across-various-domains/articleshow/87847026.cms">Central Bank of India is hiring for 115 vacancies across various domains</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/oppo-reportedly-plans-to-launch-electric-vehicles-in-india-by-2024/articleshow/87846882.cms">Oppo reportedly plans to launch electric vehicles in India by 2024</a>

Farmers Protest: Sanyukta Kisan Morcha to continue with the agitation till their demands are met

The <keyword id="6355512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-cabinet" source="Orion">Union Cabinet</keyword> is likely to take up for approval on Wednesday the bills for withdrawal of the three <keyword id="9970645" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farm-laws" source="Orion">farm laws</keyword>, sources in the government said. These bills shall then be introduced in the forthcoming session of <keyword id="6354721" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="parliament" source="Orion">Parliament</keyword>, they added. Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> had on Friday announced on the occasion of Gurupurab the government's intention to withdraw the laws in the interest of the nation. The winter session of Parliament would commence from November 29. Demanding the withdrawal of the laws, agitating farmers sitting at three sites on <keyword id="66" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi" source="Orion">Delhi</keyword>'s borders since November last year have said they will stay put till Parliament repeals them. The government will now bring bills for the withdrawal of the three farm laws in Parliament following the prime minister's announcement. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/air-pollution-delhi-schools-to-remain-shut-for-physical-classes-till-further-orders/articleshow/87832001.cms">Air pollution: Delhi schools to remain shut for physical classes till further orders</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/around-3000-non-medical-teachers-fear-job-crisis-after-nmc-guidelines/articleshow/87831780.cms">Around 3,000 non-medical teachers fear 'job crisis' after NMC guidelines</a>

Union Cabinet likely to approve on Wednesday bills for withdrawal of farm laws

<ul><li>The global popstar <keyword id="3318" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rihanna">Rihanna</keyword> took Indians by surprise as she tweeted about the ongoing <keyword id="6365054" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers-protest">farmers protest</keyword>.</li><li>Rihanna’s tweet brought global attention to the farmers' protest, which has been going on for months now against the new farm laws.</li><li>The singer is now facing vicious trolling on Twitter, even from several verified handles on Twitter with people calling her “uninformed”.</li></ul>On late Tuesday night, Google searches for “Rihanna” spiked up across India, especially in Punjab. Why? Global popstar Rihanna took the country by surprise as she tweeted about the ongoing farmers protest. <div type="twitter" handle="rihanna" handlename="Rihanna" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1133109643734130688/BwioAwkz_normal.jpg" favoritecount="473305" retweetcount="189273" status="why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest https://t.co/obmIlXhK9S" createdat="1612279791000" id="1356625889602199552"></div> The tweet has already been retweeted 209,000 times and got 445,000 likes, overnight. Climate activist Greta Thunberg too tweeted about the protest. Rihanna’s tweet brought global attention to the protest in India, which has been going on for months now. Farmers have been seeking a rollback of the country’s new farm laws. After a tractor rally took a violent turn on January 26 in the national capital, the government blocked the Internet in Delhi, and deployed heavy security at its borders. It also built concrete walls with cemented nails to prevent protestors from entering the capital. As expected, many trolls started attacking the popstar and some even questioned Rihanna’s religion. Many of them also <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/is-rihanna-muslim-indians-are-googling-pop-stars-religion-after-her-tweet-on-farmers-protest-3382226.html">Googl</a>ed to find out if she was a Muslim. She was also viciously trolled on Twitter. Even several verified handles too joined in, calling her “uninformed”. The most famous of the dissenters include actress <keyword id="2201" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kangana-Ranaut">Kangana Ranaut</keyword> to cricketer Pragyan Ojha, and several BJP leaders. Here are a few of the hate tweets. <div type="twitter" handle="KanganaTeam" handlename="Kangana Ranaut" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1328363769848709120/RYB3_4Fd_normal.jpg" favoritecount="46491" retweetcount="12402" status="No one is talking about it because they are not farmers they are terrorists who are trying to divide India, so that… https://t.co/Auc9D13Ndd" createdat="1612283175000" id="1356640083546406913"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="pragyanojha" handlename="Pragyan Ojha" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1353347699236474880/m6UNcHEX_normal.jpg" favoritecount="24721" retweetcount="4743" status="@rihanna My country is proud of our farmers and knows how important they are, I trust it will be addressed soon. We… https://t.co/sTKJ5PRHpF" createdat="1612296884000" id="1356697584291639296"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="Gajjusay" handlename="Gajendra Chauhan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1328022728696238081/DAfovev3_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1356" retweetcount="168" status="@rihanna Mind your own business. This is my country. Don't dare to our internal matter." createdat="1612323773000" id="1356810363199610880"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="pranavmahajan" handlename="Pranav Mahajan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1050452272713486343/wWjP-EC1_normal.jpg" favoritecount="19707" retweetcount="2066" status="@rihanna Because one should not talk about an issue about which one has no knowledge." createdat="1612284172000" id="1356644264147525632"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="ManojTiwariMP" handlename="Manoj Tiwari" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1290840967772172289/ENC7mLTc_normal.jpg" favoritecount="10494" retweetcount="2993" status="where have you been @rihanna ...we really need to talk about this #Rihanna https://t.co/RhEEBGR4Oh" createdat="1612291354000" id="1356674388171571205"></div> In spite of all the trolling, Rihanna’s tweet shined global spotlight on India and its handling of the protest. #Farmersprotest started trending in the US after the singer tweeted about it. An outpouring of support also came in from various leaders, and many Indians thanked the star for lending her voice to the protest. <div type="twitter" handle="Lilly" handlename="Lilly // #LateWithLilly" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1347297092260175873/NUs4WMRd_normal.jpg" favoritecount="21315" retweetcount="6328" status="Yes! Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED. ❤️ https://t.co/H0h5EM7mNW" createdat="1612287032000" id="1356656260297281537"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="ClaudiaWebbe" handlename="Claudia Webbe MP" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1250040438687440896/BOlbgGQR_normal.jpg" favoritecount="7583" retweetcount="3337" status="Solidarity to the Indian Farmers. Thank you Rihanna. In an era where political leadership is lacking we are gra… https://t.co/fWmCk8mFcD" createdat="1612298464000" id="1356704210004377602"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="KhaledBeydoun" handlename="Khaled Beydoun" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1355692134855290881/-jD7Tsw9_normal.jpg" favoritecount="6043" retweetcount="1708" status="Salute to Rihanna for shedding light on the #FarmersProtest in #India - she is bringing needed attention to a movem… https://t.co/0Dlli2HINl" createdat="1612290453000" id="1356670607644098562"></div> Meanwhile, India’s parliament has broken out in chaos and disruptions multiple times over the farmers protest.

Rihanna tweets about farmers protests in India — trolls launch her into another ‘Disturbia’

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> has hinted that it may issue a stay on India’s new <keyword id="9970645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="farm-laws">farm laws</keyword> today to assuage the farmers’ protests in New Delhi.</li><li>The apex court is ‘extremely disappointed’ with the central government’s handling of the protests thus far.</li><li>It also clarified that granting a stay is not to stifle the protests, but asking the protesters to relocate allowing for the free movement of vehicles is on the cards.</li></ul>As the farmers’ protests along the borders of New Delhi refuse to subside, the Supreme Court has stepped in and asked the central government to make up its mind. “You tell us whether the government is going to put on hold farm laws or we will do this,” said the bench headed by the <keyword id="45053" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Justice-of-India">Chief Justice of India</keyword> (CJI) <keyword id="2193113" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="SA-Bobde">SA Bobde</keyword>. He told the government that an order might be passed today in part and then again tomorrow. <div type="image" title="tractor rally_edited" msid="80212638" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Tractor rally at New Delhi&amp;#39;s Singhu border on January 7 protesting India&amp;#39;s new farm laws&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Supreme Court expressed its ‘extreme disappointment’ with the progress of negotiations between the farmers and the government. “What consultative process has been followed for farm bills that entire states are up in rebellion,” said Bodbe. “We propose to form a committee and if the government does not then we will stay the implementation of the farm acts.” The Attorney General hit back, saying that a stay on the farm laws would be too ‘drastic’ a measure. “We do not think the Centre is handling the issue correctly. We have to take some action today. We don't think you are being effective,” the CJI told him. “We are doing this because you have failed to solve the problem… Union of India has to take responsibility.” Supreme Court asserts it’s not stifling the protests The Supreme Court defended its move to set up a committee by asserting that it is not an attempt to stifle the protests — the protests can carry on. The question is whether protests should be held at the same site or be shifted to accommodate the free movement of citizens. <div type="image" title="AC69E465-0A6B-413F-ADFC-DA02C46FB15F_edited" msid="80212680" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers protesting at India&amp;#39;s Singhu border against India&amp;#39;s new farm laws&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “As a court, we will not pass any order saying that you cannot protest. But we can say that it is not the only place to protest,” he said. One of the primary issues is the possibility of farmers interrupting the Republic Day parade with a tractor rally. “Nothing of that sort will happen,” Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the farmers’ unions, told the court. “Every member from a Punjab family is in the army. No one is going to disturb the republic day parade. We have been asking for three months to let us protest in Ramlila Maidan. Why can't they be allowed to go there?” India’s national capital has been surrounded by farmers for over a month protesting the country’s three new farm laws. Despite numerous rounds of talks between the government and the farmer unions, the two have been unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. As a result, petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court seeking the removal of the farmers near Delhi borders due to COVID-19. Petitions have also been filed challenging the constitutional validity of India’s three new farm laws. “Frankly we have an apprehension that there will be some incident which may breach the peace. It may be intended or unintended,” said Bodbe sharing his concerns. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/radhakishan-damani-dmart-ready-takes-cautious-steps-against-jiomart-and-amazon/articleshow/80209971.cms">Pitted against JioMart, Amazon and others, Radhakishan Damani’s DMart has opted for “controlled acceleration” in e-commerce</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/2021-will-be-a-watershed-moment-for-india-tech-ecosystem-here-are-the-startup-sectors-that-vcs-are-betting-on/articleshow/80208631.cms">‘2021 will be a watershed moment for India’s tech ecosystem’ — here are the startup sectors that VCs are betting on</a>

‘You tell us whether government is going to put on hold farm laws or we will do this,’ Supreme Court tells Centre

The eighth round of talks between protesting farmer unions and the government is scheduled to be held on Friday afternoon as both sides look for a resolution to the over one-month-long deadlock on the issue of the three new <keyword id="9970645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="farm-laws">farm laws</keyword>. Both sides have stuck to their respective positions, with agitating <keyword id="45092" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers">farmers</keyword> taking out tractor rallies on Thursday to press their demand for rollback of the laws, and the Centre asserting it is ready to consider any proposal other than their repeal. The latest round of talks to be held at Vigyan Bhavan at 2 pm on Friday is crucial as the previous meeting on January 4 remained inconclusive. There was some breakthrough in the sixth round of talks on December 30 when the government conceded to two demands of the agitating farmers pertaining to power subsidy and stubble burning. The previous rounds of talks had failed to make any headway. Thursday's tractor rallies were taken out from protest sites near the Singhu, Tikri and the Ghazipur borders and also from Haryana's Rewasan as the unions asserted they would not accept the Centre's offer of amendments to the farm laws. According to them, these marches were a "rehearsal" for their proposed January 26 "Kisan Parade" to the national capital from different parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Owing to the farmers' protest since late November last year, several routes connecting Delhi with its neighbouring states have been closed for traffic movement. According to Delhi Traffic Police, Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari, Saboli and Mangesh borders were closed on Friday as well. It advised commuters to take alternative routes via Lampur Safiabad, Palla and Singhu school toll tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba and GTK Road, the traffic police force said, asking commuters to avoid Outer Ring Road, GTK Road and NH-44. It said Chilla and Ghazipur borders were closed for traffic coming from Noida and Ghaziabad to Delhi, and advised people to take alternative routes via Anand Vihar, DND, Bhopra and Loni borders instead. The traffic police said Tikri and Dhansa borders were also closed for traffic movement. Enacted in September, the three farm laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country. However, protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of the MSP and do away with the "mandi" (wholesale market) system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates.

Farmers' protests: Eighth round of talks today, government stands firm on 'no repeal' of laws

IN PICS: Farmer protests erupt across India against the country’s new agricultural bills

<ul><li>It’s been over 30 days since farmers protesting India’s new farming laws have gathered at New Delhi’s borders.</li><li>Since the December 8 nationwide Bharat Bandh, farmers’ protests have also erupted in other parts of the country. </li><li>The farmers’ agitation is on the rise and they refuse to give into the government’s narrative. </li><li>Asking supporters to boycott Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani businesses, protestors have also reportedly been damaging telecom towers in agitation against Reliance Jio.</li></ul>It’s been over a month since farmers arrived at the border of India’s national capital, New Delhi, to protest the country’s three new contentious farm laws. What started out as peaceful protests centered around one city have now expanded to other cities with pockets of violence emerging in places. The critical sixth round of talks scheduled to take place on December 29 has now been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/government-calls-for-a-sixth-round-of-talks-with-protesting-farmers-organisations-on-december-30/articleshow/79993405.cms">postponed to December 30</a> at the government’s request. The delay comes even as the agitation among protesting farmers is on the rise, and they refuse to give into the government’s narrative. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempts to assuage them thus far have failed. <div type="image" title="protests" msid="80006747" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Protestors at Singhu border during farmers&amp;#39; protest against India&amp;#39;s new farm laws&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The farmers claim that the laws are biased to play into the hands of big corporates, who only care about the bottom line in the long run. The government, on the other hand, believes that the new laws will fetch the farmers better prices and more options to sell their produce. The lack of trust between the two sides seems to be widening. It has even captured the attention of international governments — some of whom have questioned India's government’s handling of the situation. <div type="image" title="protests1" msid="80006770" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The Kisan Mall has been set up at Singhu border, which sells everything from thermals to desi geysers to toothpaste&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Farmers’ protests in India turn violent in agitation against Reliance Jio Farmers in India have called for a boycott of products by companies owned by billionaires Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Since last week, farmers have reportedly been damaging telecom towers in Punjab to protest the monopolistic practices of Reliance Jio, owned by Ambani. According to the protestors, India’s new arm laws play in favour of the giant corporates and will cause farmers more harm than good in the long run. <div type="image" title="protests3" msid="80006789" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A woman holds a placard at Singhu border where the farmers protest against the Center&amp;#39;s farm laws, in New Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> According to the government, over 1,500 telecom towers have been ‘impacted’ by farmers in Punjab. But, only 23 towers have sustained actual damage. Nonetheless, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh issued a warning, directing the police to take strict action against anyone seen participating in vandalism or the disruption of telecom services. <div type="image" title="protests7" msid="80006801" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers during the protest against Farm bills at Ghazipur in New Delhi &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It seems to have done little to dissuade some parties. In Punjab’s Moga, farmers were reportedly spotted damaging telecom towers on December 29, even after Singh’s warning. This is the same region where Adani had already set up silo for crops, well before the new laws came into being. Before the march to Delhi, one of the protests to get the government’s attention was outside the same warehouse. The farmers have one main demand — repeal the laws Some farmer’s unions have localised issues that they want addressed. However, the primary cause of impasse between the Indian government and the farmers is that the latter is firm on its main demand — repeal the three new laws. <div type="image" title="protests8" msid="80006811" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers during a protest against the Center&amp;#39;s farm laws at Singhu Border&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Their other demands include, but are not limited to: <ol><li>A written assurance that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme will continue in the future</li><li>The central government should drop amendments to the Electricity Ordinance 2020</li><li>Reduce and amend the penalties for stubble burning</li><li>Release farmers arrested on charges of stubble burning in Punjab</li><li>No impact on land ownership of farmers</li></ol>Farmers protests spread beyond the national capital — and beyond India Small scale protests started in Punjab as early as August when the new farmer laws were made public. It was only two months later that the unions issued the call for the ‘Delhi Chalo’ (Let’s go to Delhi) march. After the first few rounds of talks between the government and union leaders, the centre issued a new proposal agreeing to all of the farmers’ demands but one — repealing the new farm laws entirely. <div type="image" title="protests2" msid="80006828" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Farmers sitting against India&amp;#39;s new farm laws performing yoga on the Chilla border&amp;lt;span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The farmers shot down the government’s proposal and called for a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indian-farmers-call-for-bharat-bandh-on-december-8-amid-protests/articleshow/79567981.cms">nationwide Bharat Bandh on December 8.</a> Thereafter — even though most widespread protests continue to be centred around Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh — demonstrations were also reported in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala and other states. A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/farmers-protest-farmers-from-maharashtra-joined-protestors-at-delhi-border/articleshow/79966263.cms">group of farmers from 21 districts in Maharashtra</a> started on a ‘vehicle march’ from Nashik and have joined the protestors along Delhi’s borders. <div type="image" title="protests5" msid="80006849" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;New tents placed by farmers at Gazipur border during a protests in New Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Several Indian-American protests were also held outside Indian consulates in San Francisco, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, Houston, Michigan, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Even in New Zealand, 1,500 protesters gathered around Auckland’s Aotea Square to raise their voice against the new laws. Labour party members in the UK have also expressed their support and raised concerns as to how the Indian government is handling the crisis. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/three-anil-ambani-companies-accused-of-fraud-ten-times-more-than-vijay-mallya/articleshow/80002892.cms">Three Anil Ambani companies have reportedly been accused of fraud by banks⁠ — the amount at stake is nearly ten times more than what Mallya owed</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/jack-ma-ant-group-asked-to-overhaul-its-business-model-by-china-central-bank/articleshow/79987683.cms">China's central bank wants Jack Ma's Ant Group to overhaul its business model</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/top-10-most-expensive-natural-disasters-of-2020-in-the-world/slidelist/79986294.cms">Cyclone Amphan was the most expensive cyclone of 2020 and the fourth most expensive natural disaster overall</a>

From uprooting mobile towers to cries of #BoycottJio— the farmers’ protests in India are heating up and spreading far and wide

A day after protesting farmers rejected the government's offer for a written assurance on MSP and amend few provisions in the new farm laws, Agriculture Minister <keyword id="6382481" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-singh-tomar">Narendra Singh Tomar</keyword> on Thursday urged union leaders to consider the proposals and said he is ready for further discussions with them. "The government is ready to consider with an open mind any provision in the new laws where farmers have any issues and we want to clarify all their apprehensions," Tomar said at a press conference here. "We kept waiting for suggestions from farmers' leaders to address their concerns, but they are stuck on the repeal of laws," he said, while virtually ruling out conceding to the key demand with which thousands of farmers are protesting on various borders of the national capital for nearly two weeks. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="79644167" title="Farmers call for nationwide protest on December 14 — plan to block Delhi-Jaipur and Delhi-Agra highways starting December 12" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Tomar said the government has always been ready for dialogue with farmers and it remains so. "We are concerned about the farmers protesting in cold weather and during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers' unions should consider the government's proposal at the earliest and then we can mutually decide on the next meeting, if required," the minister said. The government fad on Wednesday proposed to give a "written assurance" that the existing <keyword id="76332" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Minimum-Support-Price">Minimum Support Price</keyword> (MSP) regime for procurement will continue. However, the farmers' unions rejected the proposal and said they would intensify their agitation until the government accepts their demand for a complete repeal of the three laws. The government has also proposed to make necessary amendments on at least seven issues, including one to allay fears about the weakening of the mandi system. Tomar, who along with his cabinet colleague Piyush Goyal had met senior party leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday night, said the government is ready to provide all necessary clarifications on their concerns about the new farm laws enacted in September, which he said were passed after detailed discussions in Parliament. Goyal, who was also present at the media briefing, said the new laws do not affect the APMC and that would remain protected. Farmers are only being given an additional option to sell their produce at private mandis. The farmer leaders had said on Wednesday there was nothing new in the government proposal and they will continue their protest. Shah, in a Tuesday night meeting with 13 union leaders, had said the government would send a draft proposal on key issues raised by the farmers regarding the three farm laws, even though the meeting had failed to break the ice with farm union leaders who are insisting for repealing these laws. The sixth round of talks between the government and farm union leaders, which was scheduled for Wednesday morning, was also cancelled. In the proposal, sent by Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, the government said is ready to consider with an open heart the objections which farmers have on the new farm laws. "The government has tried to address the concerns of farmers with an open heart and with respect for the farming community of the country. The government appeals the Kisan unions to end their agitation," it said. On farmers' fears that mandis would weaken after the new laws, the government said an amendment can be made wherein state governments can register the traders operating outside mandis. States can also impose tax and cess as they used in APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) mandis on them. On concerns that farmers may be duped as anyone having just a pan card is allowed to trade outside APMC mandis, the government said to rule out such apprehensions, the state governments can be given the power to register such traders and make rules keeping in mind the local situation of farmers. On the issue of farmers not getting the right to appeal in civil courts for dispute resolution, the government said it is open to making an amendment to provide for an appeal in civil courts. Currently, the dispute resolution is at the SDM level. On fears that big corporates will take over farmlands, the government said it has already been made clear in the laws, but still, for clarity's sake, it can be written that no buyer can take loans against farmland nor any such condition will be made to farmers. On attaching farmland under contract farming, the government said the existing provision is clear but still it can be clarified further if required. On fear about the scrapping of the MSP regime and shifting of trade to private players, the government said it is ready to give a written assurance that the existing MSP will continue. On demands to scrap the proposed Electricity Amendment bill 2020, the government said there won't be any change in the existing system of electricity bill payment for farmers. On farmers' demand to scrap the Air Quality Management of NCR Ordinance 2020, under which there is the provision of penalty for stubble burning, the government said it is ready to find an appropriate solution. On farmers' demand to provide registration of farming contracts, the government said till state governments make an arrangement for registration, an appropriate facility will be provided at the SDM office wherein a copy of the contract can be submitted 30 days after its signing. On Constitutional validity of farm laws, the ministers said it has the power under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List to pass laws on contract farming and intra- and inter-state trade, and prohibit states from imposing fees/cess outside APMC areas. It had followed legal provisions while enacting the laws and earlier for bringing ordinances, the ministers said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/instagram-facebook-messenger-outage-in-india-europe-japan-and-other-parts-of-the-world/articleshow/79661777.cms">Instagram and Facebook Messenger down for users across the globe</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/infosys-hcl-tech-and-tcs-stocks-may-see-another-surge-estimates-edelweiss-heres-why/articleshow/79659516.cms">One research firm says shares of Infosys, HCL Tech, and TCS may see another surge — here's why</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-desi-gps-finally-joins-china-russia-and-the-us-after-a-two-year-long-wait/articleshow/79656300.cms">India’s desi-GPS is now in the same league as the US, Russia and China — can scan 1,500 kilometres beyond its own borders</a>

You Searched For "farmers protest" and got 12 results

Police in India shoot tear gas at farmers protesting for better crop prices

Insider

Indian Prime Minister moves to repeal the controversial farm laws

BI India Bureau

Farmers finally end their one-year long protest, will vacate the Delhi borders on Saturday

IANS

Farmers Protest: Sanyukta Kisan Morcha to continue with the agitation till their demands are met

IANS

Union Cabinet likely to approve on Wednesday bills for withdrawal of farm laws

PTI

Rihanna tweets about farmers protests in India — trolls launch her into another ‘Disturbia’

BI India Bureau

‘You tell us whether government is going to put on hold farm laws or we will do this,’ Supreme Court tells Centre

Prabhjote Gill

Farmers' protests: Eighth round of talks today, government stands firm on 'no repeal' of laws

PTI

IN PICS: Farmer protests erupt across India against the country’s new agricultural bills

Prabhjote Gill

From uprooting mobile towers to cries of #BoycottJio— the farmers’ protests in India are heating up and spreading far and wide

Prabhjote Gill

Government urges farmers to engage in dialogue before escalating protests

PTI

‘Delhi Chalo’ march intensifies: Protesting farmers allowed to enter, will be escorted by the Delhi Police

Navdeep Yadav

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